Tuesday, August 14, 2012

Lentil Quinoa Tacos

Hi There!

It's been nice to be back in my kitchen experimenting and trying new recipes and eating them!

Today I have a Lentil Quinoa Taco recipe for ya.
 I can see that I will be putting this filling with lettuce for veggie taco salad or filling in leaves instead of tortillas! I love both Lentils and Quinoa.

Lentils ~

 Heart Health
 They have high levels of folate and magnesium.

Stabilize Blood Sugar
Due to their high fiber content, lentils help in regulating blood sugar by providing steady, slow-burning energy and balancing blood sugar levels.

High in Iron Lentils are loaded with iron and are a great way to replenish the body's iron stores, especially for people who don't eat red meat like vegans and vegetarians.
  
B Vitamins
Lentils are a great source of B vitamins, most notably folate and niacin (B3). B vitamins are important for the healthy functioning of the nervous, digestive, and immune systems.

Lower Cholesterol
Lentils are a great cholesterol lowering food due to their high levels of fiber.

Protein Packed
Protein makes up 26% of the calories in lentils and they have the third highest level of protein than any other plant food. It's no wonder that they're a staple in many parts of the world.

Info from Healthdiaries.com

Quinoa ~

 High quality protein with the nine essential amino acids, the protein balance is similar to milk. At 16.2 to 20 percent protein, it has is more protein than rice (7.5 percent), millet (9.9 percent) or wheat (14 percent).

Great source of riboflavin. Riboflavin has been shown to help reduce the frequency of attacks in migraine sufferers by improving the energy metabolism within the brain and muscle cells.
nca warriors had more
 
 stamina and quicker recovery time by eating these quinoa seeds, making it a truly ancient powerfood.

Antiseptic. The saponins from quinoa are used to promote healing of skin injuries in South America.

Not fattening! Only 172 calories per 1/4 cup dry (24 of the calories from protein and only 12 from sugars, the rest are complex carbohydrates, fiber and healthy fats).

Gluten-free. Since it is not not related to wheat, or even a grain, it is gluten-free.

Alkaline-forming. Although it is not strongly alkaline-forming, it is comparable to wild rice, amaranth, and sprouted grains.

Smart Carb: It is a complex carbohydrate with a low glycemic index, so it won’t spike your blood sugar.
 
Info from care2.com
 
 
Lentil, Quinoa Tacos

1 1/2 cups cooked lentils
1 cup cooked quinoa
avocado
1 clove minced garlic
1/2 chopped onion
tomato
cilantro
1 lime
1/2 cup sweet organic corn 
1/2 can black beans drained and rinsed

saute your onion in pan until soft add in garlic, saute 1-2 mins add in lentils, quinoa, black beans, & corn, squeeze in juice of lime. add in 1 Tbls of taco seasoning mix and add lid until everything is heated through. 

place in Corn or Flour tortilla and add cilantro, tom and avocado for garnish!

This meal could easily become Vegan if you cook your lentils and quinoa in vegetable broth or even water. I cook mine in chicken broth just because it adds such good flavor!
 
 Enjoy!!
OX Sherice

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