Fiery Caijun Shrimp with Vegetable Quinoa

No matter how hot and humid the season ,spicy foods always entice me. A summer drink like the water melon spritzer works best for me to cool off the heat after a spicy meal like such.
The spicy Caijun Seasoning , commonly used in coastal Lousiania cooking, is pretty simple to put together,goes great on any kind of saute or grilling of seafood. One can serve the spicy shrimp with any kind of whole grain ,Brown rice ,Wild rice ,Freekah , Farro or quinoa ,as in this recipe. Load with lots of vegetable to get the best of the meal.


Recipe : Caijun Seasoning
Ingredients:

2 tablespoon cayenne pepper
2 tablespoon ground smoked paprika
2 tablespoon chili powder, or 2 dried red chilies
2 tablespoon garlic powder
2 tablespoon onion powder
1 tablespoon sea salt
1 tablespoon black pepper(peppercorns)
1 tablespoon dried oregano
1 tablespoon dried thyme
1 tablespoon dried basil

Method

Finely grind all the ingredients in a coffee grinder and store in an air tight container.

Recipe :Caijun shrimp
Ingredients

15-20 Jumbo shrimp ,shelled and deveined
2 teaspoon Caijun Seasoning(as in recipe above)
1 tablespoon Canola oil

Method
Marinate shirmp in the seasoning and oil for 15-20 minutes.
On Stove top
Heat a deep pan, add shrimp and saute 3-4 minutes until shirmp is pink and seasoning is darkened. Serve hot with Vegetable Quinoa.
On Grill
Heat grill on high and grill the marinated shrimp ,about 2minutes on each side.Serve.


Recipe : Vegetable Quinoa
Serves 2-3
Ingredients
1 1/2 cups Quinoa
1 medium onion, chopped
1/2 cup Green or Red or Yellow peppers,chopped
1/2 cup chopped Broccoli(use any other like carrots,peas or green beans)
1/2 cup chopped Kale
1 big clove garlic,finely chopped
1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive or canola oil,divided
4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
1/2 teaspoon Salt
1/2 teaspoon Chilly powder
1/2 teaspoon cumin powder
pinch of turmeric
1/4 cup chopped cilantro and parsley
2 teaspoon freshly squeezed lime\lemon juice

Method

Wash quinoa and drain all water.

Heat a big skillet over medium flame. Add oil and onion,Saute until translucent about 2-3 minutes;add garlic and spices then add quinoa ,saute for 2-3 minutes then stir in vegetables and season with salt. Add 2 cups of water ,cover and cook until quinoa is tender. Serve warm with caijun shrimp.

Fruit and Nut Quinoa

Quinoa(pronounced KEEN-wah) originating from the Andes region of South America,is revered for its excellent nutritional profile.Its gluten-free with an exceptional source of protein,contains all eight essential amino acids and is high in iron,calcium,magnesium,phosphorus,B vitamins and fiber.With mild,slightly nutty flavor ,its a sensible substitute for white rice or couscous.

Quinoa is easy to cook like rice and couscous.Makes a delicious meal mixed with vegetables,herbs and spices.Quinoa is also great in soups and stews.Adding juicy fruits and nuts would tempt even a pickiest eater.
Recipe Fruit and Nut Quinoa
serves 4
Ingredients
2 cups Organic Quinoa
1/2 a medium onion,finely chopped
1 clove garlic,finely grated
1 teaspoon fresh ginger,finely grated
pinch of turmeric
1/2 teaspoon chili powder or cayanne
1/4 teaspoon ground cumin
1 cup berries(I use frozen cranberries and strawberries,use fresh when in season)
1 Orange,peeled and cut
1/2 cup each of pineapple and mangoes,diced
1/2 lightly toasted nuts (I use almonds and walnuts)
2 tablespoon fresh herbs(Parsley or cilantro),chopped
1 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil

Method
For a richer flavor,quinoa can be toasted in a dry skillet for a few minutes before cooking.Stir continuously during toasting to prevent burning and to toast the grains evenly.Rinse quinoa before cooking,place in a fine strainer and place under cold running water until water runs clear.Drain well after rinsing.
Heat oil on medium heat in skillet,add the onions,garlic and ginger,saute for 3-4 minutes.Add the spices and toast for another minute.Add 4 cups of water and bring to a boil.Then stir in the quinoa,lower heat and simmer,covered,until quinoa is tender but still chewy,that is until germ separates from the seed ,about 15 minutes.
Mix all the fruits, nuts and sprinkle the herbs before serving.

Health nut Challenge 3 :Healing foods - please share yours.