Roasted Cauliflower and Chickpeas on Basil Quinoa

I first adopted a plant based diet for a specific health concern, but the more I read about the benefits, the more sold I was that it was the best lifestyle choice for me.

‘The first question everyone asks is: do you feel better eating that way? Yes! Also my hair and nails grow like weeds and my skin looks way better (so some people tell me, others, well, maybe they just need glasses…….)

The other day I went to the pharmacy to pick up an allergy prescription for my husband. The guy behind the counter kinda knows me by sight since I am in there somewhat frequently (way more cool stuff than CVS; they actually have a small gift shop in there).

Me: Hi, I’m picking up a prescription for my husband.

Guy: ( who we shall call: Man Who Needs Glasses) Name and date of birth (which I give and he types furiously on the computer for a few seconds). Looks like it’s not ready yet. (leans forward and whispers: it begins with a c)

Me: ummmmm. Okay. ( am I supposed to guess what it is?  Is there an “e”?  No?  I need to buy a hint. Can I call a friend? WTH???)

Man Who Needs Glasses: (peering at the computer screen) What is the first name again?

Me: Timothy

Man Who Needs Glasses: Oh, okay I’ve got him now.  I see; there are two of the same name with a J

Me: J???  Timothy? (Are we in the same conversation here? Can you hear yourself? Can you READ?)

Man Who Needs Glasses: (whispering) Yes, his medicine begins with a “c”.

Me: (why are we whispering? What the heck is he getting…plutonium? Kryptonite? Geeze, if I had known it was so secret, I would have worn my trench coat, fedora and dark glasses).  Okaaaay. So when will it be ready?

Man Who Needs Glasses: Are you his mother?

Me: MOTHER???  I’m his WIFE!!! (OMG, WTH and somebody hold me back before I jump over the counter and smack him silly)

Dead Man Who Needed Glasses: Oh. Sorry.

Me: 😡🤬😬

Ingredients:

• 3 cups cauliflower florets
• 1 can chickpeas, drained, rinsed and dried
• 1 batch Onion Garlic Marinade
• 1 batch Basic Pesto
• 2 teaspoons lemon zest
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice ( juice of 1/2 small lemon)
• 1/2 cup quinoa, rinsed and drained
• Tomato and watercress( or micro greens) for topping (optional)

Directions:

1. Put cauliflower, chickpeas and the onion Garlic Marinade in a bag and marinate in fridge for at least an hour,  shaking the bag every so often to distribute the marinade evenly. ( in a hurry? I leave them marinating on the counter while the oven preheats)
2. Preheat the oven to 400.
3. Put the chickpeas and cauliflower on a lined baking sheet and roast for 40 minutes, turning once halfway through. Remove from oven and sprinkle with zest and lemon juice, stirring to mix  return to oven for 2-3 minutes.

4.  Meanwhile, cook the quinoa with water according to package directions  drain any excess water and add 2 Tablespoons of the pesto ( you can definitely add more, but don’t add enough to make it soupy or mushy) , tossing lightly.  Add salt and pepper to taste

5.  Spoon some of the quinoa mixture onto a plate, top with the cauliflower and chickpea mixture, top with greens and tomato and serve  you can drizzle some of the extra pesto on top or cover it with a layer of olive oil and refrigerate it for another use.

Enjoy!