Quinoa Chickpea Bowl With Avocado Dressing

For the Bowl:

• 1 cup uncooked quinoa
• 3 cups water (for cooking quinoa)
• 1 TBSP extra virgin olive oil
• 1 can low sodium chickpeas drained & rinsed
• 2 large carrots (chopped)
• 3-4 cups spinach or kale
• 1/2 cup finely sliced shallots
• salt & pepper to taste
• 1/4 tsp smoked paprika
• dash turmeric
• 4 TBSP feta or goat cheese (upon serving)

For the Sauce:

• 1/2 whole avocado
• 2 TBSP extra virgin olive oil
• 1 TBSP tahini
• 1 clove garlic
• 1 TBSP water
• 1 TBSP lemon juice
• 1/2 tsp sea salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper

1. In a large pot, add quinoa and water and turn heat to high. Add sea salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, and turmeric. When water starts to bowl, turn down to a simmer, cover, and cook for about 12-15 minutes or until all water is absorbed and quinoa fluffs with a fork.
2. While quinoa is cooking, chop carrots and shallots. In a large saute pan, add chickpeas (drained, rinsed, & patted dry with a paper towel), chopped carrots, and shallots and cook on medium-high heat for about 4-5 minutes.
3. Add spinach to saute pan and continue to cook a few more minutes until spinach is wilted. Add additional salt and pepper to taste.
4. Make the sauce: in a food processor, blend together avocado, olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, tahini, and salt & pepper until smooth. Set aside.
5. Once quinoa is cooled, divide into 4 servings, top with spinach/carrot/shallot mixture, and drizzle with avocado dressing. Top with cheese if desired. Enjoy!

• Calories – 370
• Fat – 21g
• Carbohydrates – 39g
• Fiber – 8g
• Protein – 9g