Summer's upon us and salads are in season. Here to share a delicious quinoa number is Chef Anna Bran-Leis, owner of DC Empanadas and one of the great contributing local chefs in the Power Supply chef network.
You'll find recipe vid/info below but first, a bit more about Anna who outs the T in talent and tenacity.
Starting a small business is hard, particularly a food business. Tons of hard work. Lots of ins and outs managing what makes food special - great people to craft it and great ingredients to go in it.
Anyone would feel the pressure, but a chat with Chef Anna could fool you into thinking it’s no big deal. Jumping off the corporate train five years ago, she and her husband decided to pursue their passion for international food with the launch of DC Empanadas.
Since then she’s built a strong following for her business which now includes a food truck, a brick-and-mortar outpost at Union Market and her work with Power Supply. All that while raising two children and waging a spirited fight with cancer.
“Honestly, my business is what has kept me going. I’ve always loved cooking, I’m the one in the kitchen making the main dishes for holidays, and I’m the one cooking meals for my family every night.” says Anna. “I needed to alter my diet based on my health conditions. I was already starting to experiment with new recipes when I was put in touch with Power Supply. Their meals are in line with exactly the type of cooking I want to prepare for my family at home.”
Now 15 people strong, Anna’s organization reflects its founder… full of spirit, perseverance and talent that others (like us) draw inspiration from. We’re thrilled to partner with Anna and the other bright local lights in the Power Supply chef network to bring you good-for-you food that tastes great.
And not just food, but also ideas and inspiration for your own cooking. Here’s one of our favorite go-to recipes from Anna, her southwest quinoa salad. The perfect fresh veggie & whole grain dish for any family-style meal. Serve it as a side dish, or add in a protein to make it a main.
Enjoy. And here’s to great food, wherever you find it.