This Mediterranean Quinoa and Lentil Powerfood Bowl is so tasty that you will forget that you are nourishing your body with wholesome ingredients! Inspired by Nanoosh, my favorite New York City lunch spot from my days working in the city. Sadly, they may have since closed but the legacy lives on!

The Quinoa

Ingredients

• 1 cup dry quinoa, rinsed in cold water
• a handful of dried cranberries (Craisins)
• Mrs Dash salt free original seasoning blend (or any salt-free spices to flavor the cooking water)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

Method

Add 2 cups of water to a saucepan on high heat and bring to a boil. Add the rinsed quinoa to the saucepan with the olive oil and a dash of the salt-free seasoning. Reduce the heat to the lowest setting. Cover and cook. This step takes about 20 minutes on low heat. Take it off the heat, add the dried cranberries to the pot and keep covered. Set aside. After about 15 minutes, take off the lid and fluff lightly with a fork.

The Lentils

Lentils, carrots and cumin are truly a heavenly combination!

Ingredients

• 1 small red onion, chopped fine
• 2 carrots, shredded
• 1 cup dry lentils, cooked
• A stick of cinnamon
• 1 tsp cumin (preferably freshly ground cumin seeds)
• 1/2 tsp red chili powder
• freshly ground black pepper
• a handful of fresh cilantro, chopped fine
• 2 tbsp olive oil

Method

• Sauté the onions and carrots in 2 tablespoons of olive oil, until the vegetables start to soften.
• Add all the spices. You should get a wonderful aroma that comes from the magic of onions, carrots and cumin!
• Add the cooked lentils and cook for a few minutes till all ingredients are combined and warmed through.
• Top with a generous handful of chopped cilantro.

Sprinkle a pinch of kosher salt over the top of the lentils and mix in or, salt the plate!

The Chickpea Salad

Ingredients

• 1 can or tetra pack of no salt added chickpeas
• 1/2 small red onion, diced
• 1/2 each, red and green bell pepper, cubed
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• a handful of parsley, chopped fine
• Freshly squeezed juice from 1 lemon
• freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Method

Combine all the ingredients and toss. Add a pinch of salt, if needed.

Serve It Up

Add the quinoa, the lentils and the chickpea salad to a bowl. If you did not salt any of the individual elements while cooking, just sprinkle a pinch of salt over the bowl. This delicious and super healthy Quinoa and Lentil Powerfood Bowl is ready!