Being gluten-free means avoiding all food items that contain or are made from wheat, barley, and rye. Gluten is a protein found in these grains and can lead to distress in those with an intolerance. To maintain a gluten-free lifestyle, foods such as rice, potatoes, quinoa, eggs, some dairy products, fruits, vegetables, nuts and seeds are all safe to consume. The health benefits of a gluten-free lifestyle are numerous and include improved digestion, increased energy levels, enhanced mood, and improved overall gut health. For those living with a gluten intolerance or celiac disease, removing gluten from the diet is the only way to experience relief, and many find that they feel significantly better when gluten is eliminated from their diet.

Try this as your next healthier meal option to serve up for you and your loved ones:

Ingredients

– 2 teaspoons olive oil – 1 onion, finely chopped – 2 garlic cloves, finely chopped – 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin – 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika – Pinch of crushed red pepper flakes – 2 cups vegetable broth – 1 1/2 cups quinoa, well rinsed – 1/4 teaspoon sea salt – 1/4 cup freshly chopped parsley – 2 cups cooked or canned chickpeas, drained and rinsed – 2 cups cherry tomatoes – 1/4 cup pitted Kalamata olives – 6 ounces feta cheese, cubed – 2 tablespoons freshly chopped basil

Instructions

1. Heat the olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic and season with cumin, smoked paprika, and red pepper flakes. Cook, stirring frequently, until the onion is softened, about 5 minutes. 2. Add the vegetable broth, quinoa, and salt. Cover and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer until the quinoa is tender and all the liquid has been absorbed, about 15 minutes. 3. Uncover the pan and fluff the quinoa with a fork. Add the parsley, chickpeas, tomatoes, olives, feta, and basil and toss gently to combine. 4. Serve the quinoa bowl warm. Enjoy!