Quinoa is a so called ancient grain. Those two words: ancient grain, have a connotation, a reminder of a simpler time. Thinking about an ancient grain makes me imagine who might have eaten quinoa and what life might have been like back then.
Don’t get me wrong. I’m not suggesting I would have done better as one of the pioneers, cooking my quinoa in a beat up cast iron pot over a fire, fending off enemies both human and animal. That is not a life I envy one bit. It’s not one I idealize.
And yet, the complications of life, both specific to my personal situation and generalized, make me think about a simpler life, simpler times. Times when we didn’t text or Instagram or Tweet. When people didn’t seem so self obsessed and obtuse to the feelings of others. When people cared about more than getting the most likes. When we genuinely cared about each other, having face to face conversations.
I’m often guilty of some of these things. Someone suggested I could grow my Instagram following by liking and commenting on more photos. I have never double tapped so much in my life because I need more followers to build a brand, to more easily land an agent, to feel like I am worthy of something, though are any of us sure exactly what that something is?
My favorite times aren’t when I’m texting or liking or fretting over why that photo didn’t do well, why only fifty people saw my Facebook post when two thousand “like” me. my favorite times are when I’m talking with my parents or meeting friends. When I’m at a concert and my phone is locked, the screen black in my hand, as I commit that moment to my internal memory instead of my phone’s.
These things, these issues, defects, if you will, are symptoms of a larger disease that doesn’t have a name or classification. Maybe one day it will or maybe over time, slowly, we will change. We will get back to each other, person to person.
When I’m cooking ancient grains for a satisfying, comforting meal that is nourishing my brain and my body, I am also happy. Cooking is one of my favorite past times, and this Chicken Fajita Quinoa Bowl is a great, go-to, one pot recipe that is packed with flavor.
Onions, garlic, and quinoa in a spiced cooking liquid can be mixed and topped with just about anything you want. Leftover beef or lamb can replace the chicken, any cheese will do and avocado, tomatoes, and herbs would make excellent toppings. Let your mind run free with the possibilities … you never know what might happen.
Chicken Fajita Quinoa Bowl #SundaySupper
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4-6 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 large onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 teaspoons chile powder
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin
- ½ teaspoon ground coriander
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 cup quinoa
- 2 cups water
- 1 ½ cups shredded, cooked chicken
- Mixed greens, cheddar cheese, radish, and tortilla chips, for serving
Instructions
- Heat a medium saucepan over medium heat. When hot, add the oil, followed by the onion and garlic. Sauté 1-2 minutes before adding the spices and continuing to cook about 3 minutes more, until fragrant. Add the quinoa and sauté a couple minutes before adding the water. Bring to a boil, reduce to a simmer, place a lid on the pot, and cook about 12 minutes, checking after 10 minutes, until the water has been absorbed.
- Once the quinoa is cooked, stir in the chicken, place the lid back on the pot, and allow to rest for 10 minutes. Spoon into bowls and top as you like. Serve immediately. Leftover quinoa may be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Toppings are best added right before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
Don’t forget to check out the other Sunday Supper dishes! Thanks to Christie for managing this event!
HEALTHY RICE BOWLS
- Asian Cauliflower Rice and Shrimp Bowls by Jersey Girl Cooks
- Chicken Fajita Quinoa Bowl by Pies and Plots
- Chickpea Tikka Masala by What Smells So Good?
- Cuban Style Pork Taco Bowl by A Kitchen Hoor’s Adventures
- Greek Cauliflower Rice Bowl (Low Carb) by My Life Cookbook
- Healthy Crockpot Pulled Beef Rice Bowl by Hardly A Goddess
- Mediterranean Chicken Black Rice Bowl by Cindy’s Recipes and Writings
- Quinoa Breakfast Bowl by Wholistic Woman
- Taco Rice Bowl by Life Tastes Good
- Teriyaki Shrimp Rice Bowl with Bok Choy by The Bitter Side of Sweet
- Tex Mex Caulirice Bowl by Our Good Life
- Thai Vegetable Quinoa Bowl by That Skinny Chick Can Bake
- Tuna Rice Bowl with Yum Yum Sauce by Sunday Supper Movement
- Vegetarian Bibimbap by Caroline’s Cooking
The Sunday Supper Movement is committed to bringing our readers delicious recipes that encourage them to gather and eat together around the family table. Search for your favorite ingredients on our Sunday Supper website. Also check out the Sunday Supper Pinterest boards for plenty more ideas and inspiration.
Yeah, our job makes it tough not to be sucked into being self absorbed, but I try to balance it with quality time with friends and family, too. Terrific flavors in this quinoa bowl—I could eat it over and over again!!!
It is hard to keep everything in perspective. You have the right attitude. These flavors are well balanced too. Beautiful photos!
Just turning our phones off to enjoy the moments instead of record them, when we can is super hard, but it’s more than many do…As a mom to 4 kids, I struggle with giving it up just to show them, it doesn’t have to be like this…Yet… Your quinoa bowl looks great and we all need good food while we live our crazy!
I am sure it is hard with kids, trying to set a good example and competing with peer pressure have to be almost impossible.
I try to think back to simpler times too, we are so easily stuck behind screens. Love that you combined fajitas and quinoa!
I wholeheartedly agree with the words of your lovely post!! This bowl also looks super delicious.
Mmmmnnn, what a flavorful bowl! I try not to get too sucked into social media but it can be hard sometimes.