Throw-Together Italian Quinoa

Well hello there! Its been awhile hasn't it?

Today is a snapshot of how life seems to have been lately: one kiddo under the weather, trying to keep the other kiddo quietly entertained, sneaking away to respond to work emails when I can to keep my clients at bay.

I was lost for a meal for me when lunchtime came (recent car-wretching by Moose having delayed the weekly grocery run), but the resulting pantry scavenger hunt was such a success (can you spy the little feet belonging to the Mouse who was stealing every third bite out of my bowl?) that I wanted to share.

Italian Quinoa

(Serves 4 as a meal; 6-8 as a side dish)

• 1 cup quinoa, rinsed (I used the Tri-Color organic quinoa from Trader Joe's, but any will do)
• 2 cups chicken broth (ideally organic and reduced sodium)
• 1 can of diced tomatoes, drained
• 2oz light Italian dressing
• 1 large can of black olives
• Grated or shredded Parmesan cheese

1. Combine quinoa and broth in a small saucepan, heat to a boil, then cover, reduce heat to simmer for 15 minutes.
2. Once the quinoa is done (the liquid should be absorbed and little curly-q's popping out of the grains), remove from heat and stir in tomatoes and dressing thoroughly.  Then fold in olives.
3. Serve topped with cheese.

This will go in my back pocket to adapt and use again in the future!

What's your favorite throw-together meal?