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Thursday, April 25, 2013

Harvest Blend + Leeks

I love grains because they are soooooooo versatile.  You can add practically anything to them to create tons of flavorful combos to serve as a fun side or even a main meal over your favorite type of greens.

ie:
Quinoa + black beans + salsa + cilantro = Mexican burrito bowl
Brown rice + tomatoes + red onion + cucumbers + feta = Greek!
Bulgar wheat + apples + onion + roasted butternut squash = unique fall treat

So, clean out your fridge and get cooking with your grains!

Anyways,  the above are fun combos and everything, but have you ever had Harvest Grain Blend from TRADER JOES?? It is a perfect combo of couscous, orzo, red quinoa AND baby garbanzo beans (cute)!  It is creamy, filling and I swear it slightly resembles the flavor of macaroni and cheese, for real!  Anyways, I am also a huge fan of onions, and had some leeks to use up, so created the delicious dish below! It is a mix of sweet and savory and color and crunch!

Servings: 2
Size: Generous cup
Points Plus: 9pp
Level of Difficulty: Easy
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 10-12 mins
Rating: 4 stars - Very Good

Ingredient List:
1 1/4 cup Trader Joe's Harvest Grain Blend
2 1/2 cup water
1 leek
1 t. olive oil
2 T. sliced almonds
2 T. craisins
Salt
Pepper
1/4 cup reduced fat feta

Directions:

Cook Trader Joe's Harvest Grain Blend (mmmmmm) according to package directions on the stove*. Set aside. Dice leek into desired size pieces. Separate leek and rinse in a colander to remove any dirt and grime. Heat olive oil on stove and saute leeks until cooked through, about five minutes. Add leeks, sliced almonds, craisins, salt and pepper to taste.  Mix up and add feta, allow it to melt just a bit.  Serve warm!

Tip: 

You can cook a lot of grains in a rice cooker (it is the only way I cook quinoa). BUT, I tried this in the old rice cooker and it didn't turn out.  Cook the Harvest Grain Blend on the stove and add more water if unnecessary. 

XOXO Katie

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