Quinoa
I went to one grocery store, one international market and one health food store today. My bare pantry leaves me with very few options, so I am allowing myself to purchase groceries once again, but in moderation and with the intention of using up all of one item before buying a similar item. Today I bought molasses, a blend of brown rices, some quinoa and gemelli pasta. I have wanted to try cooking with some new grains, but always had several varieties of rices and pastas in the cupboard, so couldn't justify adding more starches. But now I can, and I'm starting with quinoa (KEEN wah), a traditional South American grain that is high in protein, vitamins, minerals and unsaturated fat, but low in carbohydrates. It is ivory-colored and has a mild flavor similar to couscous, but cooks like rice (in about half the time). I'm so excited to try it out!
Dinner last night: artichoke frittata, corn on the cob
Dinner tonight: meatballs in saffron sauce, gemelli pasta