QUINOA PASTA AND GREENS

Cooling, filling, simple and yummy!

Ingredients:

1 bunch of broccoli rabe (optional: kale instead)

3-4 tbs. of parmesan cheese

1 tbs. of red pepper flakes

1 lb. of quinoa ziti or other quinoa pasta

1/2 tsp. of salt

4 tbs. of olive oil

1 head of broccoli cut into pieces

1 shredded carrot

1/4 cup of diced up basil leaves

3/4-1 cup of water

1/2 onion diced

3-4 garlic cloves crushed or diced

Optional: 1/2-1 cup of red kidney beans can be added as well

Preparation:

In a medium sauce pan boil water. Add pasta and simmer for 8-10 minutes depending on desired consistency. While simmering, in a large skillet/frying pan add 3/4-1 cup of water. Then add the above vegetables, garlic and onions and salt. Low simmer for 15-20 minutes until most of the water has evaporated. Strain pasta and mix  both the pasta and veggies.  Finally add the pepper flakes and parmesan cheese.  Drizzle olive oil. Let sit for 5-7 minutes and serve.

Note: I've had fun with this recipe by also making a pesto sauce.