You all know my love for spices because they impart such wonderful flavor without having to add extra calories. I decided to play on the flavors of chicken shawarma with a simple yogurt-marinated grilled chicken and quinoa pilaf. Super easy + good eats = extra yum!
Yogurt-Marinated Chicken with a Quinoa Pilaf
For the marinade:
- 1 cup non-fat yogurt (I used greek)
- 2 tsp garam masala
- 1 tsp curry powder
- 1 tsp cumin
- salt and pepper
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tsp olive oil
- juice from one lemon
- standard package of chicken tenders (1.25lbs)
Mix everything together in a zippy bag along with the chicken and marinate on the counter for 25 minutes. Cook chicken on grill pan for about 3 minutes per side until charred and slightly firm.
For the Quinoa:
- 1 tsp olive oil
- 1 bell pepper and 2 zucchini, chopped
- 1 cup quinoa
- 2 cups water
- garam masala, curry powder, garlic powder and cumin
- 1/4 cup raisins
- 3 tbsp pine nuts
Sauté the bell pepper and zucchini in the oil until browned. Add the quinoa and spices and let them get toasty. Add the water along with the raisins, bring to a boil, cover and simmer for about 15 minutes. Stir in the pine nuts. Serve along side the chicken with a salad. Yum!
