Meatless Monday with Warm Quinoa, Spinach, and Shiitake Salad

Welcome (back) and thank you for joining us for another Meatless Monday. As a green call centre, we support the Meatless Monday movement in support of reducing meat consumption to improve personal and planetary health.

Today’s warm quinoa, spinach, and shiitake salad recipe will assist in our quest to stay healthy and fit in 2011. “The quinoa adds protein as well as a chewy texture to this meatless main dish. The heat of the cooked quinoa and mushrooms helps wilt the spinach; the dressing and feta pulls this warm salad together.” This satisfying and filling yet light and healthy meal comes courtesy of the Martha Stewart kitchens at Everyday Food. Now let’s get cooking.

INGREDIENTS

• 1/2 cup red-wine vinegar
• 1/3 cup olive oil
• Coarse salt and ground pepper
• 2 pounds fresh shiitake mushrooms, stems removed, caps halved
• 1 1/2 cups quinoa
• 1 pound baby spinach
• 8 ounces feta cheese, crumbled

DIRECTIONS

Heat broiler; set rack 4 inches from heat. In a small bowl, whisk together vinegar, oil, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon pepper. On a large rimmed broiler-proof baking sheet, toss mushrooms with half the dressing (reserve the rest); broil, tossing occasionally, until most of the liquid has evaporated and mushrooms are tender, 20 to 25 minutes.
Meanwhile, in a small saucepan, combine quinoa, 3 cups water, and

1 1/2 teaspoons salt. Bring to a boil; reduce heat to medium. Cover, and simmer until liquid has been absorbed, 15 to 20 minutes. Place spinach in a large bowl; add hot mushrooms, quinoa, and reserved dressing. Toss to combine (spinach will wilt slightly). Top with crumbled feta, and serve immediately.

The warm quinoa, spinach, and shiitake salad serves four but can be easily adapted to make as many portions as needed. A helpful tip when working with shiitakes is to “not soak [them] in water because they will become spongy. Instead, wipe the caps clean with a damp paper towel after trimming away the stems.” Complete these offering with some whole wheat or whole grain crostini if you desire. The best part about this meal is that it’s everything you need all in one bowl and it’s perfect for lunch or dinner.

If you haven’t already, we encourage you to visit meatlessmonday.com to learn more. Join the movement and promote taking the Meatless on Monday pledge to co-workers and make your green call centre, office, factory, shop or salon even greener.

Enjoy!