She Strengthens

Nutritious Quinoa and Kale Side Dish with a Crunchy Twist

When it comes to healthy side dishes, this quinoa and kale recipe stands out from the crowd. With its perfect blend of protein, fiber, and flavor, it’s a nutritious addition to any meal.

The Star of the Show: Quinoa

Quinoa is a complete protein, meaning it contains all nine essential amino acids that our bodies need. It’s also packed with fiber, iron, and magnesium, making it a nutritional powerhouse.

Toasting Pecans to Perfection

Preheat your oven to 300°F and arrange a rack in the middle. Spread 1/2 cup of very coarsely chopped pecan halves on a rimmed baking sheet and toast until fragrant and lightly browned, about 10 minutes. Set aside to add a delicious crunch to your dish later.

Cooking Quinoa to Fluffiness

In a medium pot with a heavy bottom, bring 2 cups of rinsed and drained quinoa, 4 cups of water, and 1/2 teaspoon of kosher salt to a boil over high heat, stirring occasionally. Reduce the heat to low and simmer until the quinoa has absorbed all of the water, about 15 minutes. Remove from the heat and set aside.

Sautéing Kale and Onion to Perfection

Add 3 tablespoons of olive oil to a large sauté pan or skillet over medium heat. Add 1 medium yellow onion, diced, and cook, stirring occasionally, until it’s translucent, about 4 minutes. Add 3 medium garlic cloves, minced, and 10 large kale leaves, stems discarded and leaves coarsely chopped. Use tongs to turn the kale over until it begins to wilt and soften. If the pan starts to look dry, add up to 1/4 cup water. Season with salt and black pepper to taste, mix well, and remove from the heat.

Combining Flavors and Textures

Add the cooked quinoa and the kale mixture to a large bowl and toss to combine. If the quinoa looks a little dry, add an additional tablespoon of olive oil. Taste, seasoning with additional salt and pepper if necessary. Quickly stir in the toasted pecans and serve.

This recipe yields 8 servings, takes about 50 minutes to prepare, and is rated easy in terms of difficulty. With its perfect balance of protein, fiber, and flavor, it’s a nutritious and delicious addition to any meal.