This recipe started out because I looked in my pantry and saw that I have just way too much quinoa in there. I have plain, red, tri-color and then I just bought a couple more packages at Home Goods! So I decided I needed to start using it more. The quinoa I used in this recipe was an Italian flavored one. I bought this container of Pereg quinoa in Home Goods for $3.99 and I used about half of the container in this recipe, about 1 cup. This brand comes in all kinds of flavors which is pretty cool so you can make whatever you’re in the mood for! I also bought a spinach version and a mushroom version. Just follow the directions on the package and you’re good to go! I also substituted the water with chicken broth, which gives it so much more flavor. A vegetable broth would work great too! But if that’s not something you would want to do then just use water. 

This is a quick meal you can throw together in under 30 minutes for sure. Great for after work when you want something nutritious and delicious! This was a nice filling and satisfying meal for two of us but if you want it can serve 4 as a side dish.

INGREDIENTS:

• Pereg “All’ Italiana” quinoa (Use 1 cup and cook according to package)
• 12-16 ounces uncooked extra large-jumbo shrimp, peeled and deveined (no tails on unless you like that sort of thing- I do not)
• 3-4 cloves garlic minced
• 1/2 large tomato chopped
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1 tablespoon EVOO
• 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
• 1 tsp dried basil
• 1 tsp dried parsley
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• Parmesan cheese for topping

DIRECTIONS:

1. Cook quinoa according to directions on package. When it is done, keep it on low to stay warm.
2. Add the oil and butter to a medium skillet and saute the garlic till soft, just a few minutes.
3. Add the shrimp to the skillet and cook on medium heat. A couple of minutes on each side until shrimp turns pink is good. Do NOT overcook.
4. Add the lemon juice and herbs and mix well.
5. Add the chopped tomato to the quinoa mixture.
6. Divide up the quinoa into flat bowls and top evenly with the shrimp mixture. Make sure the delicious juices are evenly distributed as well.
7. Serve with some parmesan cheese on top if you like!