Pregnant and nursing mamas need to be sure to include lots of healthy foods choices throughout the day. This Broccoli Quinoa dish is a nice option for lunch time because it is a quick and inexpensive meal that is packed full of nutrients for mama! There are only two main ingredients; broccoli and quinoa. If seasoned right these two foods can be combined to make a yummy (and uber-healthy!) meal. Be sure to use fresh, not frozen, broccoli as the taste is much better and the nutritional content is higher. Serve with a side of seasonal fruit for a little bit of sweetness and added vitamins/nutrients.

I actually made this for dinner tonight because the day escaped past me; suddenly it was 5:30 and I had yet to start dinner! After examining the contents of my fridge/pantry I decided Broccoli Quinoa was my best option. I knew it would come together super fast and that my kids would eat it. When I put Abraham’s (age 3) plate in front of him at the dinner table he said to me “you made my favorite!”. That boy LOVES broccoli AND quinoa. Putting them together is a definite winner with him. I hope you will enjoy it too!

Ingredients:

3 cups water (or veggie stock)

1.5 cups quinoa

2 tablespoons all-purpose seasoning

1 head of broccoli, chopped

garlic powder to taste

salt and pepper, to taste

sprinkle of nutrional yeast, optional

Directions:

Bring 3 cups of water to a full boil. Add quinoa and all purpose seasoning. Once it starts to boil again, turn the heat to low, cover, and allow to gently simmer for approximately 15 minutes (or until all the water has been absorbed). In a separate pot, add enough water to create a very thin layer of water across the entire pot. Heat the water and once it starts to bubble, add in chopped broccoli. Cover and allow to steam for approximately 3-5 minutes. You will know it is done when the broccoli turns a bright green color. Serve broccoli over the cooked quinoa and sprinkle with garlic powder, salt, pepper, and nutritional yeast to taste.

-Sarah