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Quinoa Squash Pilaf

There are so many different veggies packed into this dish, it’s almost like eating a really special salad.

—ANNETTE SPIEGLER ARLINGTON HEIGHTS, IL

PREP: 30 MIN. COOK: 20 MIN. MAKES: 8 SERVINGS

1 cup quinoa, rinsed

1 can (14 1/2 ounces) vegetable broth

1/4 cup water

2 medium zucchini, halved lengthwise and sliced

1 medium yellow summer squash, halved lengthwise and sliced

1 cup chopped leeks (white portion only)

1 tablespoon olive oil

2 garlic cloves, minced

1 large tomato, chopped

1 tablespoon minced fresh cilantro

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon each dried oregano, ground cumin and chili powder

1/4 teaspoon pepper

1/8 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes

2 cups fresh baby spinach, chopped

1. In a large nonstick skillet coated with cooking spray, toast the quinoa over medium heat until lightly browned, stirring occasionally.

2. In a small saucepan, bring broth and water to a boil. Add quinoa. Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 12-15 minutes or until liquid is absorbed.

3. In a large nonstick skillet, saute the zucchini, yellow squash and leeks in oil until vegetables are tender. Add garlic; cook 1 minute longer. Stir in the tomato, cilantro, seasonings and quinoa; heat through. Add spinach; cook and stir until spinach is wilted.

NOTE Look for quinoa in the cereal, rice or organic food aisle.

PER SERVING 3/4 cup equals 126 cal., 3 g fat (trace sat. fat), 0 chol., 377 mg sodium, 21 g carb., 3 g fiber, 5 g pro. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 starch, 1 vegetable, 1/2 fat.