A Lighter Quinoa Stuffing Recipe

Ingredients for A Lighter Quinoa Stuffing

• 2 bay leaves
• 1 cup quinoa
• Olive Oil
• Butternut Squash
• 1 medium zucchini, diced (about 1 cup)
• Green Onions
• 1 (15-ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained
• Fresh Parsley
• Of Fresh Mint
• Dried Apricot
• Dried Cranberries
• Lemon

How to Make A Lighter Quinoa Stuffing

1. Rinse 1 cup of quinoa under cold water until the water runs clear.
2. In a medium saucepan, bring 4 cups of water to a boil. Add 2 bay leaves and 1 teaspoon of salt.
3. Add the rinsed quinoa to the boiling water. Return to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until all the water is absorbed and the quinoa is tender.
4. Remove from heat, discard bay leaves, and fluff with a fork. Set aside to cool.
5. While the quinoa cooks, heat 3 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
6. Add 2 cups of cubed butternut squash and 1 cup of diced zucchini. Season with 1/2 teaspoon black pepper and 1/4 teaspoon lemon pepper. Sauté for 8-10 minutes, or until the vegetables are slightly browned and tender.
7. Add the cooked and cooled quinoa to the skillet with the sautéed vegetables. Stir to combine.
8. Stir in 1/2 cup chopped yellow onion, 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley, 1/4 cup chopped fresh mint, 1/2 cup chopped dried apricots, 1/2 cup dried cranberries, and 1 (15-ounce) can of rinsed and drained black beans.
9. Add the zest of 1 lemon and 2 tablespoons of lemon juice. Stir well.
10. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
11. Serve warm. Enjoy!