Amazing Quinoa Enchilada Casserole

Stop what you're doing and try this absolutely amazing recipe!

 

First let's discuss quinoa (pronounced keen-wah) and its benefits. Quinoa is an ancient grain like crop with edible seeds. Think of it as a rice substitute that is gluten free and has fiber, protein, iron and potassium. Once cooked quinoa is tender, fluffy little bead like seeds that seem to take on the flavor of whatever you cook them with. I have used it in cold and hot recipes. You can find quinoa in the rice section of your local grocery store and its usually located near the top shelf. There are a few brands which offer flavored quinoa, so be sure to get regular, non-flavored quinoa. I suggest Ancient Harvest.

 

 

I tried this Quinoa Enchilada Casserole and it is the best recipe I have tried in a long time.  It was so easy to make and I feel that kids would love this too. Even if you are not a vegetarian I encourage you to consider trying this for your "meatless Monday." Upon first bite I could taste that tanginess of the green chilies and cheddar. The quinoa has a creamy texture and absorbed the flavor of the enchilada sauce. I used less chili powder than required, but next time I will use the full amount. This dish isn't heavy, but rather light yet filling. It's a mesh of flavors and textures. Creamy, melty, tangy, delicious and filling. You have to try this meatless casserole.

You will find the recipe here.

 

 

 

Amy's Gluten Free Baked Ziti Bowl

The product: This bowl is part of Amy's gluten free line and is dairy free as well.  The pasta is actually rice pasta hence the gluten free label. The dairy free cheese is a soy cheese combination. The tomato sauce is made from organic tomatoes and peas are included as well. I purchased the bowl from Whole Foods and I to have at lunch following day. 

Amy's Gluten Free Baked Ziti Bowl

The taste test: Initially I was hesitant to try this product. I assumed that it was going to be dry. I was completely 100% wrong on this one. Upon the first bite the pasta is tender and flavorful. The organic tomato sauce was not too tangy or acidic and Amy's gives a generous portion of it. I could taste each layer of the ingredients from the pasta, peas, sauce and the soy cheese.  The portion was a nice size for lunch.

The verdict: After trying Amy's pasta bowl it made me want to run out and buy rice noodles to make my own baked ziti.  Overall, it has great flavor a great taste and I can't wait to go purchase more Amy's Baked Ziti Bowls. 

Tandoor Chef's Masala Dosa frozen entree

The product:  I grabbed Tandoor Chef's Masala Dosa on a quick trip to Whole Foods.  I love Indian food with its many vegetarian options.  There were four individually wrapped masala dosa in the box with two packs of chutney that required 10 to 15 seconds in the microwave.  The product is not microwave friendly and the preferred method of cooking is a griddle.  I do not have a griddle so I went with option #2 my oven.  The product took an extra 4 minutes in the oven.  It cooked up crispy on the outside and was easy to plate.

 

The taste test: The outer shell was airy and crisp.  The potato, rice and onion filling was hearty, rich and nicely spiced.   The chutney mix of coconut and spices and complimented the masala dosa. 

 

Tandoor Chef's Masla Dosa

The verdict:  I enjoyed Tandoor Chef's Masala Dosa.  Unfortunately, due to the griddle and/or oven cooking methods this is not something I could take for lunch at the office.

Chutney