Monthly Archives: October 2018
Quinoa with Onions and Mushrooms
I hear people complain about quinoa. Most don’t like it because is too bland. Or too hard. But the real reason is that they are not making it right. Quinoa without any seasoning is boring and bland. Is not any different than rice. If you don’t put some seasoning, is not that much fun to eat. That is why I created this delicious recipe! It is like a risotto, but with quinoa instead of rice. The onions and the mushrooms add texture and the cream of mushroom makes it velvety and moist.
Something that makes this recipe pop: the truffle oil! For many years I never used it. Didn’t know what it was. But one day decided to get me some. And guess what? I love it! It is musky and full of flavor. It enhances your recipe with or without mushrooms. But at the same time, it can be pricey, or difficult to find. No worries! If you don’t have truffle oil, then use olive oil. You won’t have the muskiness of the truffle oil, but the freshness of the olive will give a different dimension to your dish.
Quinoa with Onions and Mushrooms
Quinoa doesn't have to be bland! This recipe is similar to risotto, creamy and delicious. The onions and mushrooms add a nice texture.
Ingredients
Quinoa
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups quinoa
- ½ tsp salt
Onion and Mushroom Mix
- 1 cup onion chopped
- 1 cup baby Bella mushrooms chopped
- 10 oz can of cream of mushroom
- 2 tbsp truffle oil
- ½ cup parmesan cheese
- ¼ cup cilantro chopped
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- ½ tsp Salt
- ½ tsp Pepper
Instructions
Quinoa
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In a pan, boil the chicken broth.
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Once the broth is boiling, add the quinoa and salt. Reduce the heat to medium. Cook for 15-20 minutes or until the quinoa is dry and completely cooked.
Onions and Mushroom Mix
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In a separate pan, pour in the olive oil and sauté the onions until they are translucent at Medium-High heat.
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Add the mushrooms and cook for 5 minutes. Reduce heat to Medium.
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Add the cream of mushroom soup, truffle oil, salt, pepper and mix them thoroughly.
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Once the quinoa is cooked, add it into the onion and mushroom mix until it is all blended together. Add the parmesan cheese and cilantro. If the quinoa has the consistency of risotto, it is done. If not, cook it 5 more minutes uncovered.
Crunchy Chicken
Fried chicken is awesome! I love it! But I don’t make it at home. I hate how the kitchen ends after done frying. And the whole house smells like fried chicken for hours after. So I either bring it home from somewhere already made or eat it at a restaurant. I have to admit, as much as I love it, I always eat it with a small amount of guilt. Big enough to make me think about it, but not big enough to stop me from eating it. “I should be eating baked chicken.” ” Lower in calories.” ” Better for you!” Yeah yeah yeah, but it is not as delicious as fried chicken. Until this recipe! This recipe has all the goodness of fried chicken, is crunchy, with a delicious crust that is tasty and a little spicy. And so easy to make, it is a breeze!
Crunchy Chicken
This is a terrific substitute for fried chicken, all the crunch and flavor, but none of the guilt or greasy stove from all the frying!
Ingredients
- 4 chicken breasts skinless
- 4 cups corn flakes
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp sage powder
- ¼ tsp rosemary powder
- ½ tsp oregano powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- ½ tsp cayenne pepper
- 2 eggs
Instructions
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Turn oven on at 350 degrees F
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Clean and trim all visible fat from each chicken breast.
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In 1-gallon zip lock bag, crunch the corn flakes into very small pieces.
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Add salt, black pepper, garlic, sage, rosemary, oregano, paprika and cayenne pepper into the bag and mix thoroughly.
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Beat eggs in a small bowl or plate and coat the chicken with the egg.
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Place the chicken breasts into the bag with corn flakes and spices and stir until all chicken breasts are covered with the mix.
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Place chicken breasts in lightly greased baking sheet.
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Bake at 350 degrees for 35 minutes or until the meat is no longer pink.
I make this recipe with chicken breasts. But you could use chicken thighs and it would be as delicious! You could leave the skin on if you want to. I just find the corn flakes stick better to the chicken without the skin.
I have replaced the eggs for coating the chicken with buttermilk. I have also used half and half. They don’t work as well as the egg, but if you leave the chicken a little longer in the buttermilk or the half and half, the corn flakes will mostly stick. Once you take your chicken breasts from the bag and place in the baking sheet, take the leftover corn flakes in the bag and encrust them on the chicken. Even if they don’t completely stick, the flavor is so good, it will be really crunchy and you will want to eat it!
