Creamy quinoa mushroom risotto

Quinoa is a staple food of parts of South America. It's an easily digestible grain which contains more protein than any other almost twice as much as rice. It works well in this recipe.

Preparation: 10 mins
Cooking: 25-30 mins
Serves: 4

What you need:

• 300ml boiling water
• 15g mixed dried mushrooms
• 900ml chicken or vegetable stock
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 200g white closed cup mushrooms, sliced
• 200g brown closed cup mushrooms, sliced
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, crushed
• 175g quinoa
• 175g risotto rice
• 100ml dry white wine
• 25g freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tbsp snipped fresh basil leaves

What to do:

1. Place the dried mushrooms in a bowl, cover with the boiling water and leave to soak for 10mins, drain, reserving the liquid and chop the mushrooms. Place the chicken stock in a large pan, add the dried mushroom liquid and slowly bring to the boil, leave on a gentle simmer.
2. Heat half the oil in a large pan, add the mushrooms and sauté over a high heat for 2-3mins until golden brown. Transfer to a plate and set aside.
3. Add the remaining oil to the pan, add the onion and sauté for 2-3mins. Add the chopped dried mushrooms, garlic, quinoa and rice and stir for 30 seconds. Add the wine and gently simmer, stirring until the liquid has evapourated.
4. Add a ladleful of the hot stock to the rice mixture and cook, stirring until the liquid has been absorbed. Repeat until the rice is tender and the stock has all been used about 15-20mins. Stir in the reserved mushrooms, parmesan and basil and remove from the heat. Serve in bowls.

Nutritional info:

Not only is quinoa a superior source of protein compared with most grains, it is also provides plenty of the minerals magnesium and potassium. Mushrooms are also a good source of potassium making this a good dish a good choice for those worried about their blood pressure. Potassium helps to counteract the effects of sodium (salt) and keep blood pressure balanced. The quinoa and rice both provide slow release energy, which helps to keep blood sugar levels stable and keeps you feeling fuller for longer.

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