Quinoa stuffed Mushrooms

Mushrooms are a very nutritious vegetable and one of the few sources of vitamin D. The garlic and red onion are wonderful immune building, detoxifying vegetables. The quinoa is a complete protein and fibre rich seed. More plant based fibre and nutrition from the spinach and walnuts. The chia is another excellent source of fibre, protein and essential fatty acids.



Ingredients
For the stuffed mushrooms:
6 medium sized portabello or field mushrooms, stalks removed and set aside
1 cup of cooked quinoa
½ small red onion or a bunch of spring onions, finely diced
A large handful of spinach or kale leaves, finely chopped
1 tablespoon of thyme leaves, picked off the stalks (or 1 teaspoon of dried)
100 grams of soft feta (Persian or Danish) or goats curd (my personal favourite), crumbled
½ cup (approx.) walnuts, roughly chopped
1 tablespoon of chia seeds (optional)

For the dressing (optional):
One clove of garlic, unpeeled (roasted with the mushrooms)
One small lemon, zest and 2 tablespoons of juice
4 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil



Method
Preheat your oven to 180º C.
Chop the mushrooms stalks up and combine in a bowl with the quinoa, onion, spinach or kale and thyme leaves.
Now mix through the feta or goats curd. Taste and season with sea salt and freshly ground black pepper.
Spoon onto the mushrooms, pressing it into place and then top with the walnuts and sprinkle with the chia seeds.
Place them in a baking tray with the whole clove of garlic and roast for 20 minutes.

For the dressing mix together the zest, lemon juice and olive oil, and once cooked, squeeze out the soft centre of the roasted garlic and mix into the dressing. Serve with rocket and a drizzle of dressing.



Variations
Dairy-free and vegan - Replace the feta or goat cheese with a thick cashew nut cream.
No quinoa? - No worries, you can replace it with brown rice or buckwheat.
Kids hate green - Replace the spinach with grated carrot.
Don’t do mushrooms? - Then you may not have read this far – but, you could substitute with half a tomato or capsicum with the centre scooped out.

Enjoy! X