Quinoa | Imamother

Amarante

Wed, Aug 03 2022, 9:51 pm

You can follow the directions and just use it like you would rice. It does need to be rinsed because otherwise there is a bitter residue.

It is pretty versatile and can be used as a side or a main course because it is high in protein. People even make cakes from it.

Here is a pretty basic Pilaf recipe

Quinoa Pilaf with Shiitake Mushrooms, Carrots & Pecans
By Jennifer Segal

This quinoa pilaf is gussied up with sautéed onions, carrots, shiitake mushrooms and pecans. It makes an earthy and hearty dish.

Servings: 4 as a side dish, 2 as a main course
 
* 1 cup quinoa, pre-rinsed or rinsed
* 1⅔ cups low sodium chicken broth (best quality such as Swanson), or vegetable broth
* 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, divided
* 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
* 2 small carrots, peeled and diced
* ¾ teaspoon dried thyme
* 4 ounces shiitake mushrooms, stemmed and thinly sliced
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* Salt and ground black pepper
* ⅓ cup chopped pecans, toasted if desired
* ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley
*
INSTRUCTIONS

* Combine quinoa and chicken broth in a medium sauce pan. Bring to a boil, then turn heat down to low, cover and simmer until quinoa is cooked, about 15 minutes.

* In the meantime, heat 2 tablespoons of the olive oil in a large sauté pan over medium heat. Add the onions and cook, stirring occasionally, until they start to soften, 2-3 minutes. Add the carrots and thyme and cook until the carrots are just tender, 5-7 minutes. Add remaining tablespoon of olive oil, along with mushrooms and garlic. Cook, stirring constantly, until mushrooms are cooked through, a few minutes. Season vegetables with ¼ teaspoon salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.

* Add cooked quinoa to vegetables and stir in pecans and chopped parsley. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Serve hot or warm.

* Note: Shiitakes never come in contact with dirt, so the only washing usually necessary is a gentle wipe with a damp cloth or a paper towel. Use a knife to remove the stems where they meet the cap.