While recovering from my recent surgery, I had a stronger than usual desire for healthy dishes. This is because I’ve been unable to get to the gym every day, as I usually do. Here’s something of mine I’m sure you’ll enjoy if you feel like eating in a healthy way, no matter how you’re feeling. One of my favorite pasta dishes, Quinoa Pasta with Baby Bok Choy and Sweet Red Onion is light, healthy, and takes very little time to make.

I sautéed the red onion, baby bok choy, and garlic in red wine (I used Malbec). Once the wine reduced and the vegetables soaked up the flavor, I added a dollop of unsalted butter and then tossed the cooked quinoa into the pan to coat the noodles with the savory sauce. This dish is topped with fresh sliced cherry tomatoes Yum!

Ingredients:

Serves 2

• 1 8-ounce box of quinoa pasta
• 1/2 cup of sliced cherry tomatoes
• 1 bunch of baby bok choy, cleaned and sliced into thin strips
• 3 cloves of garlic, thinly sliced
• 1/2 red onion, sliced
• 2 tablespoons of virgin coconut oil
• 1/2 cup of dry red wine
• 1 tablespoon of unsalted butter
• sea salt and black pepper to taste

To cook the quinoa, follow the instructions on the quinoa box. Of course, if you prefer to use rice noodles, or regular pasta, go right ahead.

Prepare the vegetables: clean, slice and chop.

In a large pan over medium-heat, add two tablespoons of coconut oil. Once hot, add the onion and a pinch of sea salt. Saute for five minutes until soft.

Add in the garlic and baby bok choy. Sauté for five minutes. Turn the heat up to medium-high and add the red wine. Let the red wine come to a boil. After five minutes, the alcohol will burn off and the wine will have reduced. Turn the heat to low and add in the unsalted butter.

Now, toss in the cooked quinoa. It helps to use a pair of tongs to toss the noodles so they coat evenly with the sauce and vegetables. Turn the heat off and the meal is ready to serve. Add sliced tomatoes, some black pepper if needed.

I hope you enjoy this healthy treat. You can go solo with it for lunch, or even serve it to your family for dinner. As always, eat well!