Creamy Quinoa Risotto with Poblano and American Grana
Indulge in this delightful Creamy Quinoa Risotto that combines the nutritious power of quinoa with the inviting flavors of poblano peppers and the rich, nutty taste of American Grana cheese. This easy-to-make one-dish meal is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a satisfying lunch, delivering a comforting and hearty experience without the guilt. The addition of Yukon gold potatoes adds creaminess, while fresh herbs like cilantro and parsley provide brightness. Enjoy this risotto with a side of fresh fruit like figs or mango for a truly gourmet meal that will leave you feeling great!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
13
Ingredients
Ingredients
Celery
1 stalk (diced)
Carrot
1 medium (diced)
Onion
1/2 medium (diced)
Yukon Gold Potato
2 medium (peeled and diced)
Poblano Chile
1-2 (seeded, rinsed, and chopped)
Quinoa
1 cup (rinsed)
American Grana Cheese
1/2 cup (grated)
Salt
to taste (to season)
Bell Pepper
1 small (diced (optional))
Goya Sazon with Coriander and Annatto
1 teaspoon (use sparingly)
Cilantro
1/4 cup (chopped)
Parsley
1/4 cup (chopped (optional))
Unsalted Butter
to taste (for sautéing)
Instructions
1
Start by preparing the mirepoix: finely dice the carrot, celery, and half an onion. In a medium saucepan, melt a generous amount of unsalted quality butter over medium heat.
2
Once the butter is melted, add the diced vegetables and sauté for about 5 minutes until they begin to soften and become fragrant.
3
While the vegetables are cooking, prepare the poblano peppers by seeding, rinsing, and coarsely chopping them. After the initial 5 minutes, add the chopped poblano to the saucepan and continue to sauté for another 3–4 minutes.
4
Add the quinoa to the mixture, estimating a quantity that will serve two people. Stir-fry the quinoa with the vegetables for an additional 5 minutes to toast it slightly, and then season with salt and freshly cracked pepper.
5
Next, peel and dice the Yukon gold potatoes into small cubes and add them to the saucepan. Pour in approximately twice the amount of water as quinoa and bring the mixture to a boil.
6
Once boiling, add the Goya sazon, cover the pan with a lid, and reduce the heat to low. Allow it to simmer, stirring every 5 to 6 minutes and adding more water if necessary.
7
When the quinoa and potatoes are fully cooked and the water has been absorbed, remove the saucepan from heat. Grate a generous amount of American Grana cheese into the mixture, stirring vigorously to ensure the cheese melts and integrates smoothly into the risotto.
8
Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed, adding more salt or pepper. Serve hot, garnished with fresh cilantro and parsley for added flavor.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Creamy Quinoa Risotto with Poblano and American Grana?
It is a nutritious one-dish meal that combines the nutty flavor of quinoa with poblano peppers, Yukon gold potatoes, and rich American Grana cheese.
Is this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, this is a vegetarian-friendly recipe using vegetables, grains, and cheese.
How long does it take to sauté the mirepoix?
The diced carrot, celery, and onion should be sautéed for about 5 minutes until they begin to soften and become fragrant.
What type of potatoes are best for this risotto?
Yukon gold potatoes are recommended because they add a specific creaminess to the final dish.
Can I use regular rice instead of quinoa?
While you can substitute rice, quinoa is used in this recipe for its unique nutritional benefits and texture.
What is American Grana cheese?
American Grana is a premium, extra-aged Parmesan-style cheese that provides a rich, nutty taste to the risotto.
Is this recipe considered healthy?
Yes, it is described as a healthy and hearty experience that delivers comfort without the guilt.
How should I prepare the poblano peppers?
The poblano peppers should be seeded, rinsed, and then coarsely chopped before being added to the saucepan.
What is the purpose of adding Goya sazon?
Goya sazon with coriander and annatto is added to provide a distinct savory flavor and color to the mixture.
Do I need to peel the potatoes?
Yes, the instructions specify that the Yukon gold potatoes should be peeled and diced into small cubes.
Can I add other vegetables to this risotto?
Yes, the recipe suggests that adding a small diced bell pepper is a great optional addition.
What fresh herbs are recommended for garnishing?
Fresh cilantro and parsley are recommended to provide brightness and added flavor to the hot dish.
How often should I stir the quinoa while it simmers?
You should stir the mixture every 5 to 6 minutes to ensure even cooking and prevent sticking.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Quinoa is naturally gluten-free, but you should always check the labels on your Goya sazon and cheese to ensure no gluten-containing additives are present.
Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?
Yes, but you should adjust the amount of added salt later in the recipe to avoid over-seasoning.
How do I know when the risotto is finished cooking?
The dish is ready when the quinoa and potatoes are fully cooked and the water has been completely absorbed.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
To make it vegan, substitute the butter with oil and the American Grana cheese with a plant-based parmesan alternative.
What sides go well with this dish?
The recipe suggests serving the risotto with fresh fruit like figs or mango for a gourmet touch.
How much water is needed for the quinoa?
You should use approximately twice the amount of water as the amount of quinoa you are cooking.
What is a mirepoix?
A mirepoix is a flavor base made from the finely diced carrot, celery, and onion used at the start of the recipe.
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Yes, if American Grana is unavailable, you can use traditional Parmesan or Romano cheese.
Are poblano peppers very spicy?
Poblano peppers are generally mild, offering a deep flavor with very little heat.
Can I omit the cilantro?
Yes, if you do not like cilantro, you can omit it or increase the amount of fresh parsley.
How many servings does this recipe make?
Based on the ingredient quantities provided, the recipe is designed to serve approximately two people.
Should I rinse the quinoa before cooking?
Yes, the ingredient list recommends using rinsed quinoa to remove its natural bitter coating.
What heat setting should be used for simmering?
Once the water boils, you should reduce the heat to low and cover the pan with a lid.
Can I use a red onion instead?
Yes, a red onion can be used, though it may slightly change the color and sweetness of the dish.
Why do I need to toast the quinoa?
Toasting the quinoa for about 5 minutes with the vegetables enhances its nutty flavor before adding water.
Can I store and reheat leftovers?
Yes, leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge and reheated on the stove or in a microwave.
Is this a one-pot meal?
Yes, this is an easy-to-make one-dish meal that is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.