Since we are all back in our homes, our dorm cookin’ column must be suspended until next semester. However, this doesn’t mean we shouldn’t continue staying healthy by cooking at home! We will turn “dorm cookin’” to “quarantine cookin’.” Being at home, it’s likely that you have more ingredients and resources to work with. These recipes might make use of an oven, stove, bigger fridge, spices and more. 
In this week’s quarantine cookin’, we have a recipe submitted from Samantha Wade, a senior ASL/English interpreting major. She has given us a healthy and yummy taco recipe that will blow you away.  

Wade’s Quinoa Lentil Tacos  

Ingredients:  

1 white onion 

1 cup of quinoa  

½ cup jarred salsa 

2 cups of vegetable stock 

1 ½ cup cooked lentils 

Taco shell of your choice  

Taco toppings of your choice  

Cumin 

Smoked paprika 

Chili powder (all spices to one’s liking) 

To start, chop up your onions in cubes and sauté them with a teaspoon of olive oil. You will do this for about 5 minutes or until they are soft. Next, add your quinoa, salsa and vegetable stock together with the onion. Let that simmer for 15 minutes or until the liquid is absorbed. It’s best to let it sit and not stir it when it’s cooking, and when you see most of the liquid is absorbed, it’s done. When it’s done, it’s best to “fluff it” and let it sit for a couple of minutes.  

For the lentils, you boil them in water for about 15 minutes (this cook time depends on how much you are cooking). You don’t have to wait for the water to absorb, and you can test when they’re done by their texture. Make sure the lentils are not hard but not too mushy either.  

Next, add in your quinoa, the cooked lentils and spices. Stir together. If you want this mixture more like taco meat, bake it in the oven for 35 minutes at 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Now it is time for your toppings. You can eat this dish with a soft or hard shell taco. I used a soft shell! I also added guacamole and Greek yogurt coleslaw. Finally, I put it all together. And then you’re ready to enjoy!   

Quick tip from Sammi:  

Don’t be afraid of spices. If you don’t add spices, you will have no flavor. I learned this the hard way.  

If you try out these dishes, let us know! Send us reviews and photos  [email protected]. Also submit any recipes to us if you wish to share.