Thai Turkey Quinoa with Sriracha Lime Dressing

My default is Mexican. Add salsa, avocado, beans...a little shredded cheese if I am feeling devious. I could literally eat a form of tacos every day. Well, my husband likes a little more variety...so I branch out to the other region that has my heart--- Thai. I love the spices and fresh cilantro and lime juice... (Almost sounds Mexican?). This recipe spawned from me having ground meat, quinoa and not wanting to add salsa and black beans to it!! It's spicy, fresh and great for a warm summer night.

Hmm... if you look closely you can see the fresh ginger!

Yes, the dressing is this red!

Quinoa
1 C. Quinoa
2 C. Water
1 Tsp. Ground Cumin
Salt
Pepper

Turkey Mixture
1.5 lbs. Ground Turkey
2 Cloves Garlic, Minced
1 Tsp. Fresh Ginger, Minced
Crushed Red Pepper
2 Tbsp. Cilantro, Minced
1 Red Pepper, Finely Chopped
1 Jalapeno, Finely Chopped
1/4 Red Onion, Finely Chopped
Salt
Pepper
2 Tbsp. Peanuts, chopped finely (roasted/salted)

Dressing
1 Clove Garlic, Minced
1 Tsp. Fresh Ginger Minced
2 Limes, Juiced
2 Tsp. Raw Sugar
2 Tsp. Olive Oil
2 Tbsp. Sriracha
2 Tbsp. Cilantro, Minced

In a saucepan, bring quinoa, water, cumin and pinch of salt and pepper to a boil. Cover, turn down to low and cook for about 15 minutes.

In a frying pan, brown turkey with salt and pepper. Add the garlic, ginger and a couple shakes of crushed red pepper. Remove from heat and put mixture into a large dish. Add the jalapeno, red pepper and red onion. Mix thoroughly.

When the quinoa is done, add to the turkey and mix.

For the dressing, whisk all ingredient together thoroughly. Pour over the mixture and serve with the peanuts on top! This can be served warm or cold.

Fun Idea: Make wraps! Serve in lettuce leaves for a little extra crunch!

This was a light, healthy meal and with just enough spice to hit the spot!
Enjoy, E

Whole Wheat Spaghetti with Garlic Lemon Broccoli Rabe

I have never cooked broccoli rabe. I got it in a farmshare and had to look up how to cook it! Do you cook the leaves? Do you eat the whole thing?? Well, it's actually pretty easy to make and is a great addition to pasta!

1 Box Whole Wheat Spaghetti
1/2 Lemon, juiced
5 Cloves Garlic, minced
3 Tbsp. Olive Oil
Crushed Red Pepper
Ground Pepper
1 Bunch Broccoli Rabe, rinsed and ends trimmed
1 Tsp. Dried Basil
Sea Salt
1/3 Cup Shredded Parmesan

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook about 7 minutes, al dente. Drain pasta.

In a large frying pan, heat olive oil to a medium low. Add garlic and cook slowly. Allow garlic to lightly brown and bubble (approx. same time as it takes to cook the pasta.)

Add the broccoli rabe to the oil and sauté for 3 minutes. Add 2 pinches of sea salt, crushed red pepper and a couple grinds of pepper. Add the broccoli to the pasta. Add lemon juice, cheese and basil. Stir and serve.

Fresh and simple.
-e