Name: Spicy Quinoa “Taco Meat”
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 6 servings
Cuisine: Latin American
Ingredients: 1 cup uncooked quinoa; 2 cups water or broth; ¾ tsp salt; 1 tsp granulated onion; 1 tsp granulated garlic; 1 tsp chili powder; ½ tsp cumin; ½ tsp black pepper; ¼ cup tomato sauce

The ever-versatile quinoa gets another twist as a ground beef substitute. Take this protein-packed, low-glycemic food and turn it into a healthy meat for tacos or anywhere else you need ground beef.

1 cup uncooked quinoa

2 cups water or broth

¾ tsp salt

1 tsp granulated onion

1 tsp granulated garlic

1 tsp chili powder

½ tsp cumin

½ tsp black pepper

¼ cup tomato sauce

Rinse quinoa thoroughly in a mesh strainer for 2 minutes. This step is important for getting rid of the bitter flavor of quinoa.

Add to pot with 2 cups water or broth and bring to a boil.

Cover, reduce heat to low, and simmer for 20 minutes or until liquid has been absorbed and quinoa is tender.

Transfer quinoa into a saucepan and stir in seasonings.

Add tomato sauce and let quinoa cook for 5 minutes or until quinoa crisps up to resemble taco meat.

Freeze taco meat in a ziplock bag and have it on hand for future meals.