January 23, 2025

Ground Beef with Quinoa & Asparagus by Andrea

Celebrate the Lunar New Year with this vibrant, nutritious dish, full of flavors that symbolize good fortune and abundance. From the rich, savory ground beef in basil tomato sauce to the nutty quinoa and crisp asparagus, this meal brings a fresh take on traditional Lunar New Year foods. It’s the perfect combination of hearty protein, healthy greens, and grains, embodying wishes for health, prosperity, and a fresh start in the year ahead.

This recipe was created by Andrea Solomun for her new e-book -Protein 101. This cookbook is your key to freedom in cooking! It contains delicious, quick and nutritionally rich recipes that inspire you to enjoy every bite without worrying about calories. Forget about the fear of food – this cookbook reveals ways to make progress and achieve your goals without giving up.

ALIVE  COMMUNITY: There is a 15% discount for the cookbook if you scan the code on the card in stores in Alive.

TIME SERVES DIFFICULTY
30mins 1-2

INGREDIENTS

150-200g ground beef (or your preferred protein)

50-80g quinoa

Fresh asparagus, trimmed (symbolising abundance)

 

Swiss chard, kale, or spinach (greens for prosperity)

Tomato sauce with basil

Fresh parsley, chopped

1/2 tbsp olive oil

Salt, to taste

Pollen or honey (sweetness for a prosperous year)

METHOD

Begin by seasoning your ground beef with freshly chopped parsley, salt, and your favourite spices (Cajun for a bold touch!). This will infuse the meat with rich, aromatic flavours.

Heat a pan with a dash of olive oil, and cook the asparagus until tender yet crisp. Asparagus is often linked to abundance in Lunar New Year traditions, making it the perfect addition to your dish.

In a deep pan (or wok), heat a little olive oil and cook the seasoned ground beef until it’s browned and fragrant, filling your kitchen with savory goodness.

In a separate pot, bring quinoa to a boil with double the water (1 part quinoa, 2 parts water) and a pinch of salt. Let it simmer until fluffy and tender, much like the fresh start symbolized by the New Year.

Sauté your choice of greens (spinach, kale, or Swiss chard) until wilted. In many cultures, leafy greens symbolise wealth and prosperity, making them the perfect addition to your festive meal.

Stir in the basil tomato sauce once the beef is cooked. Heat for just a few moments to keep the fresh, tangy flavour alive. The red of the sauce adds a pop of good luck, as red is considered a lucky colour for the Lunar New Year!

Layer the quinoa, greens, and beef mixture in a bowl. Drizzle with a touch of honey or pollen for a sweet finish, symbolising a sweet and prosperous year ahead.

SERVING TIP: This dish is not just nourishing; it’s a celebration of health, abundance, and good fortune. Perfect for ringing in the Lunar New Year with family and friends, or enjoying as a personal reminder of all the good things to come!