Quinoa Caprese

Quinoa is so yummy, quick to cook, and light and fluffy if cooked properly. It is a very high protein grain which originated in the Andes mountains of Bolivia and Peru as a staple food of the Incas. It's gluten-free and rich in L-lysine, phosphorus, calcium, iron, B vitamins, and vitamin E. Make sure you soak it for a few hours or overnight, or at least rinse it really, really well, to get rid of the bitter coating that is it's natural protection from bugs.

- 1 cup quinoa
- 1 1/2 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups halved cherry tomatoes, or tomato chunks
- 100g (3 oz) mozzarella cheese, chunks or grated
- 1 cup torn fresh basil leaves
- 2 1/2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 clove minced garlic (opt.)
- salt & freshly ground black pepper

Soak quinoa overnight, or at least rinse really well.

Bring broth to a boil in a medium saucepan. Add quinoa, reduce heat to low, and simmer until tender and liquid has been absorbed, about 12-15 minutes. Fluff quinoa with a fork and transfer to a large bowl to cool.

Stir in cherry tomato halves (or tomato pieces), mozzarella and basil.

Combine lemon juice and oil; stir to blend. Pour over quinoa mix and toss well. Season with salt and pepper.

Delicious!