Starting a New Year on a Healthy Note...

In keeping my word to bring you more variety in 2010.... new recipes were part of that deal... and in some cases... those "recipes" I will post will comprise of "throwing" a few ingredients in a pan, for a quick, delicious meal, that not only is easy and healthy, but is also very wallet friendly! Many times, some of the best meals that are the easiest to whip up come from ingredients that are already in your refrigerator and pantry! 

Here is a quick dinner that I (in this case) "threw together" in just a few minutes... the result: CALABACITAS with a side of QUINOA... Easy, tasty and fast... a great meal for working people... (a great one for vegetarians... and this could be vegan, as well!) and for those who have committed to being healthy in the new year!

CALABACITAS:

2 Zucchinis or Mexican Squash (diced)
2 Yellow squash (diced)
2 fresh ears of corn (cut off the cob)
1 fresh Serrano pepper (seeded and chopped finely)
2 shallots (or about 1/3 cup of finely diced onion)
3 cloves of fresh garlic (minced)
2-3 tbsp. of Grapeseed oil
Goat Cheese (or queso fresco)
Freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Salt and pepper

(Makes approximately 4 servings)

Saute the shallots or onion, minced garlic, corn and serrano chili in the oil for about 5 minutes. Add the squash (make sure it is not diced too small, as it will cook fast and possibly become mushy). Salt and pepper to taste. Cook for about 5-8 minutes, stirring occasionally so that it cooks evenly. Sprinkle some of the goat cheese (or queso fresco)...(though it adds a lot of flavor to this dish... the cheese could be optional)... and stir in the cheese so that it incorporates itself into the dish. Grate some fresh Parmesan cheese on top to taste. It serves as a garnish as well!

(On a side note: There is no right or wrong way to make this dish. Traditionally, it is served with queso fresco, but I used goat cheese because that is what I had in the refrigerator. I have had Calabacitas a variety of ways, I prefer to saute in the pan this way, as it allows the squash to stay whole and still a bit crispy. Improvising is totally ok... again, use what you have!)

QUINOA

1 cup Quinoa
2 cups of Vegetable Stock (or Chicken Stock)

Bring stock to a boil in a 1 1/2 Quart saucepan. Reduce to simmer and add quinoa. Cover and cook until all the liquid is absorbed (about 10-15 minutes).

(About 4 servings)

This is a great and much healthier alternative to rice, easy and delicious (You can purchase this in most stores). Follow the directions on the box. Though the instructions call for water, I personally like to play with my food, so I change things up to add some flavor by using stock, without compromising the quality, healthy factor and taste; on the contrary... this is a great way to flavor this grain, without using too much sodium!

So there you have it! Fast, easy and delicious! This meal could be prepared in under 30 minutes from start to finish! If you plan ahead and purchase the ingredients on a grocery trip beforehand, making dinner on a whim, isn't so bad!

Are you cooking for one or two people?? I will follow this post with a recipe for the leftovers.... 2 dishes in one... how can you beat that?? 

Enjoy this "Fast food"... that is good for you!

Cheers To your health and a healthy 2010!

Elle :)