Keen on Quinoa

Pasta.  I love pasta.  Every shape and color, fresh or boxed, it doesn't matter.  I think it's divine.  I love the taste, the mouthfeel of each al dente bite, the warm comfort it provides, the ease of preparation...everything.  Pasta is simple, yet versatile.  It's the LBD (little black dress) of the food world.  Pasta is "home" to me.  Pardon me for waxing poetic, but I think pasta is amazing.  I love pasta.  I miss pasta.  Pasta is nothing but classic, yummy goodness!

Although it was invented by the Chinese, pasta was perfected in Italy.  And, unless you are a huge ramen fan, you most likely think of Italian food when you hear the word "pasta."  Pasta is pretty much synonymous with Italy in today's world.  When someone suggests having pasta for dinner, a hundred different classic Italian dishes spring to mind.  Bowls of fresh linguine ensconced in buttery, cheesy, garlicky Alfredo.  Manicotti topped with sweet, tomatoey red sauce, and oozing with gooey, fresh mascarpone, mozzarella, and parmesan cheeses.  And then there's the Godfather of all pasta dishes - Lasagna.  Nothing quite compares to the bubbly, baked goodness of the perfect pan of lasagna, fresh from the oven.  The possibilities are endless.  But for me?  I like it simple.  A nice little (read: enormous) pile of classic spaghetti rigati topped with a sweet, herby tomato and basil sauce.  Perfection.

As you know (if you're following my blog), I am sadly "off of pasta" for now.  I decided that when I lose 30 pounds I will allow myself to have one perfectly measured portion of spaghetti, and not a moment before.  At 50 pounds, I will allow myself to have another perfectly measured portion.  At that point, and going forward, I will allow myself to have pasta no more than twice a month...in carefully measured portions.  I don't want to, nor can I, live in a world without pasta forever.  It's my favorite food!  But I am addicted.  I mean really addicted.  I could eat it everyday...and have before.  But now I am redefining my relationship with pasta and food in general.  If I don't keep it real, I will never be thin and healthy.  I know this to be true, and the reality is...my name is Hayne, and I'm a pasta addict.

I've done really well so far.  Its been a big adjustment with changing my eating habits, but I'm making progress. I am down 12.6 pounds, and that feels really good!!  The key, it seems, is finding suitable replacements.  For example, I have a spiralizer, so I make zucchini pasta from time to time.  It's pretty good, but it doesn't quite have that comfort food quality like pasta.  It works though.  Then there's quinoa....

Quinoa does have that "comfort food" quality to it that I love about pasta.  Also, it's a great source of complete protein, and is gluten free.  Like pasta, this little seed is simple, yet versatile.  It's not as addictive to me as pasta, so portion control is a lot easier.  I've really been getting creative with quinoa lately, and it couldn't be easier to prepare.  Two parts liquid (I use veggie broth) to one part quinoa; bring to a boil; then simmer for about 15 minutes.  Easy-peasy!  

I started off making a "quinoa mushroom stuffing" that my Mom had made for me once.  It's easy and delicious!  While the quinoa is cooking, I sauté some diced onion and celery, then add it in to the simmering quinoa.  While it finishes cooking, I sauté sliced baby Bella mushrooms to perfection with salt and freshly cracked black pepper.  I stir the mushrooms into the quinoa, and voila...it's done!  Yummy and nutritious!  

I've recently started getting a little crazy with my quinoa.  This is huge for me!  Let's not forget here that I require a recipe for boiled eggs, so to "wing it" with quinoa makes me feel like the next Top Chef!  I'm extremely proud of myself...and my quinoa concoctions!  I make a Chinese version (mixed veggies with water chestnut, some egg, and teriyaki), and of course, an Italian version (tomato sauce, mozzarella (Daiya), and fresh basil).  I'm currently in the process of figuring out a recipe for Mexican-style quinoa as well.  I fully expect it to be just as fantastic!

Although there is no real replacement for a bowl of delicious pasta, at least not for me anyway, I am embracing this pasta sabbatical with open arms.  I am making healthy choices, and sharpening my culinary skills in the process!  To this I say rock on!  So for at least the next 17.4 pounds, bring on the quinoa!  Buon Appetito!!  :)