Quinoa and Bean Corn Chowder

I'm going to tell you a little secret. I don't cook. It's not that I can't cook or don't like to do it. But it's my husband that does all the cooking. Our schedules are arranged so he is home with the kids in the afternoon for homework, shuttling them to sports and dance practices, and he does all the cooking. I am more the baker in the family. If you want to know what's for dinner...ask Dad. If you want to know what's for dessert...ask Me!!

So I was very excited this past weekend to have an afternoon to try to make a new recipe. One that I knew my kids probably wouldn't like but one that I really wanted to try. So I did and i'm sharing it with you!

Quinoa and Bean Corn Chowder:


Now if I was a real foodie, I would have ironed my placemat before taking the photo. Ha ha! I found this recipe on the blog Daily Garnish. Emily is a vegetarian chef, a marathon runner, and a healthy living blogger. No, I don't know her but her blog is becoming one of my favorites. If you want to see the recipe in full, I will direct you to her blog (she has some great step by step photos!): Quinoa and Bean Corn Chowder.


I did make a few changes to the recipe. I didn't have cumin seeds, so I omitted them. I also didn't have almond milk. I had vanilla soymilk and was a little afraid to use it in case the flavor came across too sweet. But it turned out great!! This was a very hearty soup with the quinoa and corn. It was filling and great for a blustery cold Sunday afternoon. And i've eaten the leftovers 2 days in a row.


See the little reddish specks? That's the quinoa. Quinoa is a grain that is very high in protein and contains all the essential amino acids, thus making it a complete protein. It's a great substitute for rice. I got the red quinoa at Trader Joe's, where you can also get plain quinoa (which is the great substitute for rice). It's definitely a departure from my usual sugar/flour/butter creations but a really good one. If your weather is cold and icky right now, this bowl of chowder just might do the trick!

Okay...Wednesday...halfway through the week. Just a few more days until Friday! Thanks for stopping by today!