Thrive with Diabetes: Southwest Quinoa Bake

cheddar cheese

🥗Healthier: nutritional yeast

💰Cheaper: monterey jack cheese

Nutritional yeast adds a cheesy flavor with fewer calories.

quinoa

🥗Healthier: farro

💰Cheaper: rice

Farro provides a similar texture and is often less expensive.

Preheat oven to 350°F.

In a pot, add 2 cups of water and rinse quinoa before adding it in.

Bring the quinoa and water to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and let sit for 15 minutes.

In a skillet over medium-high heat, add 1 tablespoon of olive oil and coat the pan.

Add chopped yellow onion and minced garlic to the skillet; sauté for about 2 minutes until onions are soft.

Add chopped chicken and jalapeno to the skillet; cook for about 8-9 minutes until chicken is fully cooked.

In a large bowl, combine the cooked chicken mixture, cooked quinoa, 1/4 cup shredded cheese, 1/2 cup corn, 1 cup black beans, 1 cup diced tomatoes, spicy Matador seasoning or paprika, and cumin; mix well.

Cover the mixture with aluminum foil and transfer to the oven.

Bake for 25-30 minutes.

Remove from oven, sprinkle remaining cheese on top, and serve with cilantro and avocado.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Dietary

Allergens