• 1 medium yellow onion , chopped
• 3 cloves garlic , minced
• 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
• 2 cups quinoa , dry toasted and rinsed
• 4 cups vegetable or chicken broth
• 2 chicken breasts , cut into 1-inch pieces
• Dash salt and pepper
• 2 zucchini , cut into 1/4-inch pieces
• 2 lemons , juiced
• 1/2 cup slivered raw almonds
• 1 cup basil leaves , torn
• 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese

Sauté the onions and garlic in extra virgin olive oil in a medium-size pot. Add quinoa, broth, chicken and a pinch of salt and pepper. Bring to a boil, cover and reduce heat to low. After 15 minutes, stir in zucchini, lemon juice, almonds and 3/4 of the basil. Turn heat off and replace lid for 2 minutes. Finish with the remaining basil and Parmesan cheese. Add salt and pepper to taste.

From the book Mom-a-licious: Fresh, Fast, Family Food for the Hot Mama in You! by Domenica Catelli