Herb-Infused Quinoa Delight
This Herb-Infused Quinoa Delight is a quick and nutritious dish that perfectly complements any meal. Bursting with flavors from fresh herbs, sautéed garlic, and a hint of lemon, this quinoa dish is not only simple to prepare but also rich in protein and fiber. Whether you're serving it as a side or a main dish, it is sure to impress with its delightful aroma and savory taste. Enjoy it warm or chilled, and don't hesitate to share it with family and friends for a wholesome dining experience!
4
Servings
N/A
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
butter
1 tablespoon (melted)
uncooked quinoa
1 cup (rinsed and drained)
vegetable broth
2 cups (preferably low-sodium)
garlic
2 teaspoons (chopped)
fresh parsley
2 tablespoons (chopped)
fresh thyme
1/2 tablespoon (chopped)
salt
1/4 teaspoon (to taste)
small onion
1 (finely chopped)
fresh lemon juice
2 dashes (to taste)
Instructions
1
In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat until bubbly.
2
Add the rinsed quinoa, chopped garlic, and finely chopped onion to the pan. Sauté for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the quinoa becomes lightly golden and the onion is translucent.
3
Pour in the vegetable broth and bring to a rapid boil. Once boiling, reduce to a simmer and cover the saucepan with a lid.
4
Cook for approximately 15 minutes, or until the quinoa is tender and the liquid has been absorbed. Remove from heat and let it stand for 5 minutes with the lid on.
5
Fluff the quinoa with a fork, then gently fold in the chopped parsley, fresh thyme, and salt. Season with fresh lemon juice to taste.
6
Serve warm as a side dish or chilled as a quinoa salad, and enjoy!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Herb-Infused Quinoa Delight?
It is a quick and nutritious grain dish made with quinoa, fresh herbs like parsley and thyme, sauteed garlic, onion, and a hint of lemon.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe makes approximately 4 servings.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, quinoa is naturally gluten-free, making this dish suitable for those on a gluten-free diet.
Is Herb-Infused Quinoa Delight vegetarian?
Yes, the recipe uses butter and vegetable broth, making it a vegetarian-friendly dish.
How long does it take to cook the quinoa?
The quinoa takes about 5 minutes to saute and approximately 15 minutes to simmer, plus 5 minutes of resting time.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
Yes, simply replace the butter with olive oil or a vegan butter substitute.
Do I need to rinse the quinoa before cooking?
Yes, rinsing the quinoa helps remove its natural bitter coating called saponin.
What type of broth should I use?
The recipe suggests using 2 cups of vegetable broth, preferably low-sodium.
What fresh herbs are included in this recipe?
This recipe uses fresh parsley and fresh thyme.
Can I serve this dish cold?
Absolutely! It can be served warm as a side dish or chilled as a refreshing quinoa salad.
What is the purpose of sauteing the quinoa in butter first?
Sauteing the quinoa with garlic and onion for 5 minutes helps toast the grain, adding a deeper, nutty flavor.
How much garlic is required?
The recipe calls for 2 teaspoons of chopped garlic.
Can I use chicken broth instead of vegetable broth?
Yes, if you do not require the dish to be vegetarian, chicken broth is a great substitute.
Is this recipe good for meal prep?
Yes, it stores well and can be eaten throughout the week, making it excellent for meal planning.
What should I do if the liquid isn't fully absorbed after 15 minutes?
Continue to simmer for another minute or two, then let it sit covered off the heat for 5 minutes to absorb remaining moisture.
Can I use dried herbs if I don't have fresh ones?
Yes, though fresh is preferred for the best flavor. Use about one-third the amount of dried herbs compared to fresh.
How much lemon juice should I add?
The recipe suggests 2 dashes of fresh lemon juice, or to taste.
What kind of onion works best?
One small onion, finely chopped, is recommended. Yellow or white onions work well.
Is this dish high in protein?
Yes, quinoa is a complete protein source, making this a protein-rich grain dish.
Can I add other vegetables to the quinoa?
Yes, feel free to stir in sauteed bell peppers, spinach, or peas for added nutrition.
How do I fluff the quinoa?
Once cooked and rested, use a fork to gently stir and separate the grains to keep them light and airy.
Can I use red or black quinoa instead of white?
Yes, any variety of quinoa will work, though cooking times might vary slightly by a few minutes.
What category does this recipe fall under?
This recipe is categorized under Grains.
How much salt is used?
The recipe calls for 1/4 teaspoon of salt, or more to taste.
What is the ratio of quinoa to liquid in this recipe?
The ratio is 1 cup of uncooked quinoa to 2 cups of vegetable broth.
Can I double this recipe for a larger crowd?
Yes, you can double all ingredients; just ensure you use a large enough saucepan.
Is this dish kid-friendly?
Yes, it has a mild, savory flavor that many children enjoy.
What can I serve with Herb-Infused Quinoa Delight?
It pairs well with roasted vegetables, grilled protein, or as a base for a grain bowl.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 9 ingredients: butter, quinoa, broth, garlic, parsley, thyme, salt, onion, and lemon juice.
Does the quinoa need to be drained?
The quinoa should be rinsed and drained before cooking, but the broth is fully absorbed during the cooking process.