Powered up like Popeye

I wonder if you remember why Popeye is strong to the finish?…

BECAUSE HE EATS HIS SPINACH…and you should too.

Spinach is so great for those eating a low carb/keto diet. It is one of the main ingredients in last week’s Cheesy Bacon Spinach Dip for kicking off the football season. It is high in a number of nutrients that are hard to find in other plant-based foods.

Spinach is packed with niacin, zinc, vitamins A, B6, C, E & K, thiamin, folate, calcium, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, copper, manganese, protein, and fiber. It’s got something good for every part of your body in it!

The abundant flavanoids in spinach act as antioxidants to keep cholesterol from oxidizing, protecting your body from free radicals as well.

But what about if you want to cook it? How do you keep the iron from leeching out?

Add a little lemon juice or vinegar to keep that mineral content intact.

For today, I thought to share an excellent main dish for inclusion into your healthy diet. Try it out before you get so hungry you say, “It’s all I can take and I cant takes no more!”

Creamy Cheddar Quinoa with Chicken and Spinach

Original recipe appeared on Delish.com, see it here.

Ingredients

1 cup Quinoa

1 tbsp Extra-virgin Olive Oil – Popeye’s first choice 🙂

2 large Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts, cut into 2 inch pieces

Kosher Salt

Black Pepper

1 tbsp Butter

2 Garlic cloves, minced

1 medium Onion, chopped

1/2 cup Heavy Cream

1 cup Chicken Stock

2 cups Shredded Cheddar, divided

8 ounces Baby Spinach, chopped

2 tbsp Parsley, chopped

Directions

1. In a medium pot, cook quinoa according to package directions.
2. Meanwhile, in a large sauté pan over medium-high heat, heat oil. Season chicken with salt and pepper, then sear chicken on both sides until golden brown. Transfer to a plate.
3. Return pan to medium heat. Add butter and sauté garlic and onions until softened. Add cream and chicken stock; bring to a boil and simmer until slightly reduced, 2 to 3 minutes. Stir in 1 cup cheese and spinach. Fold in quinoa and chicken, then top with remaining cup cheese. Cover pan and simmer until warmed through and cheese is bubbling, 3 to 4 minutes.
4. Garnish with parsley and serve immediately.  And my personal addition..
5. Kick some butt like Popeye!

If you’re concerned about the quinoa kicking you out of nutritional ketosis, then you could make it without or just scoop out less of the “superfood” grain. Try it out, I think you’ll like it.

Please like, share, and comment below. Maybe you have a good idea for those looking for a quinoa substitution. I hope you have a great weekend and get the time to try some new foods (like the recipe above). Have a good one!