Recipe!! Quinoa-Lentils and Squash- Vegetarian Friendly!

Hey there guys! 

So for two past WIAW, I had some yummilicious Lentil-Quinoa stuff. I couldn't decide on a name, but I decided on "Quinoa-Lentil" as one word, not two. Clever name or not, this stuff is AWESOME. 

Don't let the longer list of ingredients frighten you either. It really is not that much, and if you don't have the variety of squashes I had, just replace it with what you do have! 

As you know, I ADORE quinoa. I really love how the lentils and the quinoa create a nice, thick consistency. You would think this would end up runny (which it can, if you use too much liquid), but usually the two absorb the water and it turns out wonderful.

Similar to a recipe from quiet a while ago... though this time it doesn't have meat, and includes quinoa and a different method of preparation! 

Quinoa-Lentils and Squash 
Serves 4 

1 cup lentils, dry
1/4 cup quinoa, dry
1 stalk celery, chopped
1 large carrot, chopped
1/2 cup mushrooms, diced
1/2 cup bell pepper, diced
1/2 large onion, diced
2 pattypan squash
2 small zucchinis
1 medium yellow squash
1 large tomato, diced
handful leafy greens (spinach or kale work best)
2 bay leaves
2-3 springs fresh rosemary, optional
1/2 small can of unsalted tomato paste
1 TBSP garlic powder
1 TBSP Chile powder
1 TBSP cumin powder
Sea salt to taste
Dash of cayenne, optional
5 cups water or unsalted stock, plus more as needed
1-2 TBSP coconut or olive oil

1) Chop up your celery, onion, carrot, and mushrooms.

2) Heat your oil in a large pot over medium high heat. Toss in the veggies, and saute for about 5-6 minutes.

3) Add your dry quinoa and let it toast for 3-5 minutes, stirring often.

4) Add your 5 cups of liquid and your lentils. Mix in the spices, bay leaves, and rosemary. Bring to a low boil and cover.

5) In the meantime, chop up the rest of your veggies (aka the squash and tomatoes!)

6) After the lentil mix has been simmering for around 20 minutes, add your other veggies. Most of the liquid should be absorbed but not all of it. Add more liquid if needed.

7) Cover for another 15 minutes. Add more liquid at this point, usually around a cup. Stir in the tomato paste and again cover until the squash is tender.

8) Turn heat on low and add the greens to wilt.

Pretty easy if I do say so myself. And tasty... oh so tasty.

What have you been eating?
What ways to you use lentils, or quinoa?

Natalie