[mommylove]

Spinach with Chickpeas and Quinoa


Total time = 20 minutes; Serves 4

1 c quinoa, dry
1/2 c pine nuts
3 tbsp olive oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 (15.5oz) can chickpeas, rinsed
1/2 c raisins (dark or golden)
3 handfuls spinach or swiss chard, chopped
3/4 tsp kosher salt
1/2 tsp black pepper


Bring 1 cup water to a boil. Stir in quinoa and cook, covered, on med-low for 10 minutes, or until water cooks out.

Meanwhile, in a large skillet, over low heat, toast the pine nuts, shaking the pan frequently, until golden, 3-4 minutes. Transfer to a plate. (Or stick 'em in the toaster oven like I do. Just a notch over the med setting will toast them nicely without burning.)

Return the skillet to medium heat. Add oil and heat for 1 minute. Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute. Add the chickpeas, raisins, spinach, salt, and pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the chard/spinach is tender. Remove from heat. Stir in quinoa & pine nuts.


I give this recipe 4 stars. It's very light, so it makes for a nice lunch or side dish for dinner. The original recipe calls for couscous, which I prefer, so I dropped a star when subbing quinoa.