The simplest dish you can make

I'm being totally, 100% honest. Your blind Uncle who has never cooked in his life could do it. Well maybe not but he could definitely do 80% of this meal. He might need your help with the poached egg but hell, if he doesn't feel like having an egg, he would be the chef!

So, who can tell me what this is? First one to write in will get a special pat on the back! I'm sure that you all know by now. Yep it's little old quinoa. That super grain from Peru. I have talked about it in the past here, but you know. When a girl falls in love, she falls hard! This is one of those times *swoon*. If you're a vegan you should include quinoa in your diet and with it being so versatile there really is no excuse! It's a complete protein and has managed to overcome one of the shortcomings normally associated with grains, it's high in fat. And that is good fat by the way. It's also got a pretty good calcium content so munch away people, munch away.

Aren't these colours amazing?! The minute I saw them in the shop I knew, deep down in my heart that I had to have them. Some people go for shiny pretty clothes, I go for pretty veggies. Bright colours that entice you and hold a wealth of goodness for our bodies. This is ruby and golden chard. Both yummy and without a huge variation in taste. Some people compare it to spinach, I my friends am not that person. I prefer, whole heartedly I might add, chard. I love it when the leaves are young and tender for salads, I love it when it grows tall and proud and it's great to cook with. We all know the benefits of eating a green and leafy diet, yes? Well chard, is one of those exceptional cases. It contains at least 13 different antioxidants, one of which is syringic acid. Now don't get scared by the name. This has actually be getting a heap of attention with researchers concerning the regulation of blood sugar levels…hip hip hooray!

RECIPE:

50g quinoa per person

3 leaves of chard per person

1 egg per person

salt and pepper

oil

Get your quinoa on first of all (in a pan cover the quinoa with water, get it boiling and the grains will start to go translucent. I like mine with a bite so try it and see if it's cooked enough for you). Meanwhile  put a pan of water onto boil for your poached egg and wash and chop the chard. Keep the stalks and leaves separate as the stalks will take longer to cook. Drizzle some oil into a pan and heat. Once hot add the chopped stalks and cook until change colour slightly, add the leaves and season. Drain the quinoa and let stand. Once the chard has cooked add the quinoa. Stir through on a low heat whilst you put your egg into the swirling water to poach. 

Poaching an egg: There is only one technique that works for me! A very fresh egg is needed and that is it. Boil water, stir to make a vortex. Crack egg into a teacup and gently lower egg into the vortex of boiling water. Cook till you are happy with it. 

Serve your quinoa/chard mix with a poached egg on top…enjoy the healthiness!