Spinach Sausage Quinoa Pilaf

This week, I was in the mood for something simple.  Something hearty yet light; something that would fill me up but not be too heavy on the calories.  I love quinoa because it is exactly that: full of healthy protein that will make you feel full, but will not weigh you down.

This recipe is so simple to throw together that you'll be sitting down to a delicious meal before you know it.  The cumin in this recipe gives the flavor a delicious depth of flavor, which is rounded out by the peppers and fried sausage.  The meat in this is completely optional, of course, and could be omitted entirely or replaced with chickpeas or some other kind of bean.  It makes for quick meal that doesn't taste like one!

Spinach Sausage Quinoa Pilaf

3 gluten-free sausage links, chopped into thin slices
1 tbsp. olive oil
1 small onion, chopped very finely
2 - 4 small chilies, with the stems cut off and pierced several times with a sharp knife
4 - 6 peppadews,cut into thin slices (optional)
3 - 4 tsp. minced garlic
2 - 4 tsp. ground cumin
1 tsp. oregano
1 tsp. basil
1/2 cup dry quinoa
1 cup chicken or vegetable broth OR  2 tsp. chicken or vegetable instant stock and 1 cup of water
3/4 cup frozen spinach
Salt and pepper to taste

In a non-stick frying pan, saute the sausage until it has been browned nicely on both sides.  Set aside.

Heat the oil in a pan and add the onion, garlic, and chilies.  Saute until the onion becomes translucent (about 5 minutes).  Add the spices and mix well, and then add the quinoa and stir to mix well.  Add the broth and bring to a boil, and then add the frozen spinach and return to a boil.  Add the fried sausage and stir to mix.  Reduce to a simmer and cover.  Cook for 15 minutes or until the quinoa is cooked through and the liquid has been absorbed.  Add salt and pepper to your own taste.

This is delicious served hot, but tastes even better chilled as a salad.