Quinoa is one of my favourite grains but let’s be frank here - sometimes it tastes like dirt. Most of the time that is because people miss the critical step of rinsing their quinoa before cooking (don’t skip this!) but also because it can have a pretty bitter flavour to it if not spiced up a bit. Below is my favourite combination of ingredients to add to quinoa, with lots of swap options dependent on what you find in your pantry. The perfect side with any protein, it’s time to add some pizzazz to your quinoa!
Pantry Quinoa Pilaf
20 mins
Ingredients:
1 cup quinoa
¼ cup lemon juice
(swap: 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar + 1 tsp maple syrup)
1 tbsp olive oil
¼ red onion, diced
(swap: shallot, green onion)
¼ cup sundried tomatoes in oil, diced
¼ cup dry roasted almonds (unsalted), roughly chopped
(swap: walnuts, pecans, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds)
1 cup parsley, chopped
(swap: cilantro, basil, mint)
¼ tsp red pepper flakes
Salt and pepper to taste
Method:
Cook your quinoa according to package instructions, don’t forget to rinse the quinoa first!
Meanwhile, combine the lemon juice, olive oil in a large bowl, and whisk together with salt and pepper to taste.
Once quinoa is cooked and cooled slightly, add into the bowl and toss to coat in lemon vinaigrette.
Add in your onion, sun dried tomatoes, chopped almonds, red pepper flakes and parsley. Toss to combine (I prefer to use a fork to keep it fluffy).
Serve warm or at room temperature. Or store in the fridge until ready to serve!