By adding together the mushrooms, broth, and thyme, this will take your quinoa dish to the next level! It requires only a handful of ingredients, but the taste is rich and satisfying. When cooked, mushrooms embody an umami, savory flavor as well as a hearty, meaty texture. Because of the added mushrooms in this dish, it will fill you up and keep you satisfied. I also love serving this with roasted chicken, making sure to spoon the juices from the chicken right on top!
Ingredients
(serves 4 as a side)
1 cup quinoa, rinsed and drained
2 ½ cups chicken (or vegetable) broth
1 pound of assorted mushrooms, like shitake and crimini, thinly sliced
1 tbsp chopped fresh thyme leaves and 4 sprigs of thyme
1 tbsp grass fed butter or ghee
1 tbsp olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste
Directions:
Add the quinoa, 2 cups of chicken broth, and 4 sprigs of thyme to a pot. Bring to a boil and reduce to a simmer until quinoa is cooked, about 12-15 minutes. Remove thyme stems and set aside.
While quinoa cooks, heat butter and olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add mushrooms, a heavy pinch of salt, and chopped thyme. Toss and stir. After five minutes, add in ½ cup of chicken broth. Saute until mushrooms are cooked and tender, about ten more minutes.
Add mushrooms (and all of the cooking liquid) and quinoa in a large serving bowl. Toss to combine and serve.
Health Benefits of Mushrooms:
Served with juicy chicken and a seasonal salad
Mushrooms contain compounds that are antimicrobial and antiviral, making them powerful immune system boosters
They are a great source of B vitamins, which help support adrenal function and turn nutrients from food into usable energy
Mushrooms are one of the few food sources with vitamin D, which helps us to absorb calcium and strengthen bones
Certain mushrooms, like reishi, are adaptogens, and help reduce levels of cortisol, which can help alleviate stress and anxiety
They contain anit-cancer compounds that help protect against oxidative stress and prevent tumor formation
Sources and additional reading:
