Quinoa (pronounced KEEN-wah) was an ancient staple grain of the Incas. It’s a complete protein with all essential amino acids and more calcium than milk, along with iron, phosphorus, and vitamins B and E. Use it as a grain and substitute freely for rice or pasta. Just be sure to maintain the proper ratio of dry grain to liquid (for quinoa use 3/4 cup quinoa to 1 cup liquid). I buy quinoa from the bulk food bins at the health food store, although you can find it at many supermarkets alongside the grains. Raw seafood is always preferable when making a Glorious One-Pot Meal, and frozen shellfish is less likely to overcook in this method. I keep a bag of uncooked shrimp in my freezer for just such a reason.

　　

Ingredients

serves 2

　　Olive oil spray

　　3/4 cup quinoa

　　1 cup broth (chicken or vegetable) or water

　　4 to 6 garlic cloves, chopped

　　1/2 teaspoon dried thyme

　　1/8 teaspoon sea salt

　　1 tablespoon olive oil

　　1/4 cup dry vermouth or dry white wine

　　1/2 to 3/4 pound medium raw, frozen shrimp, peeled and deveined

　　2 to 3 medium tomatoes, chopped, or one 14-ounce can, drained and chopped

　　1 green bell pepper, cored, seeded, and sliced

　　1 teaspoon lemon zest

　　1/4 teaspoon dried parsley, or 2 tablespoons chopped fresh

　　

Step 1

Preheat the oven to 450°F.

　　

Step 2

Spray the inside and lid of a cast-iron Dutch oven with olive oil.

　　

Step 3

Pour the quinoa into the pot and add the liquid. Stir to make an even layer.

　　

Step 4

In a medium bowl, mix the garlic, thyme, salt, olive oil, and vermouth. Add the shrimp and stir to coat. Pour the entire mixture into the pot.

　　

Step 5

Layer in the tomatoes and the bell pepper slices. Sprinkle with lemon zest and parsley.

　　

Step 6

Cover and bake for 45 minutes, or until 3 minutes after the aroma of a fully cooked meal escapes the oven. Remove the cover and let sit for 2 to 5 minutes before serving to allow the quinoa to fully absorb all the liquid.

　　

nutrition information

Step 7

Calories: 458

　　

Step 8

Protein: 25g

　　

Step 9

Carbohydrates: 64g

　　

Step 10

Fat: 12g

　　

Step 11

Cholesterol: 84mg

　　

Step 12

Sodium: 218

　　

Step 13

Fiber: 7g

　　Glorious One-Pot Meals