Herbed Quinoa with Asparagus and Parmesan
Elevate your meal with this delicious and nutritious Herbed Quinoa with Asparagus and Parmesan recipe. This dish combines nutty quinoa with fresh asparagus, sautéed onions, and carrots, all infused with aromatic herbs and finished with a sprinkle of grated Parmesan-Romano cheese. Perfect as a side dish or a light main course, this recipe is not only simple to prepare but also packed with flavor and health benefits, making it a wonderful addition to your weeknight dinners or gatherings with friends and family.
N/A
Servings
105
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
butter
2 tablespoons (melted)
onion
1 medium (1/2 cup) (chopped)
carrot
1 medium (1/2 cup) (chopped)
quinoa (Seeds of Change tomato basil blend)
1 (5 5/8 ounce) box (dry)
asparagus
8 ounces (cut into 1-inch pieces)
parmesan-romano cheese mix
2 tablespoons (grated)
dried marjoram or thyme
1/4 teaspoon (dried)
black pepper
1/8 teaspoon (to taste)
Instructions
1
In a 12-inch skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and carrot, cooking for 1 to 2 minutes until they are crisp-tender, stirring occasionally.
2
Stir in the quinoa and cook for an additional minute, allowing the quinoa to slightly toast.
3
Pour 1 cup of hot broth over the quinoa and mix in the seasoning packet from the quinoa box. Cook uncovered for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the liquid is mostly absorbed.
4
Add the asparagus to the skillet. Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover the skillet, and cook for 15 to 20 minutes. Stir the mixture frequently, and add broth 1 cup at a time as needed, until the quinoa is cooked and the liquid is absorbed.
5
Once cooked, remove from heat and gently fold in the grated Parmesan-Romano cheese and your choice of dried marjoram or thyme leaves. Season with pepper to taste.
Nutrition Information
2.75g
Fat
15.5g
Carbs
3.75g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Herbed Quinoa with Asparagus and Parmesan?
It is a nutritious dish that combines nutty quinoa with fresh asparagus, sauteed onions, and carrots, infused with aromatic herbs and Parmesan-Romano cheese.
What are the primary ingredients?
The main ingredients include butter, onion, carrot, Seeds of Change tomato basil quinoa blend, asparagus, parmesan-romano cheese, and dried marjoram or thyme.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this recipe is categorized as a vegetarian dish.
How many calories are in a serving?
There are 105 calories per serving.
What type of quinoa is recommended?
The recipe calls for one 5 5/8 ounce box of Seeds of Change tomato basil blend quinoa.
How should the asparagus be prepared?
The asparagus should be cut into 1-inch pieces before being added to the skillet.
How much fat is in this recipe?
Each serving contains 2.75 grams of fat.
What is the protein content?
This dish provides 3.75 grams of protein per serving.
How many carbohydrates are in a serving?
There are 15.5 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
What size skillet is needed?
A 12-inch skillet is recommended for this recipe.
How much butter is required?
The recipe uses 2 tablespoons of butter.
How long do you cook the onion and carrot?
Cook the chopped onion and carrot for 1 to 2 minutes over medium heat until crisp-tender.
Do you toast the quinoa?
Yes, stir in the quinoa and cook for one minute to allow it to slightly toast.
How much broth is added initially?
Initially, you should pour 1 cup of hot broth over the toasted quinoa.
When do I add the asparagus?
Add the asparagus after the quinoa has cooked uncovered for about 5 minutes and the liquid is mostly absorbed.
Should the skillet be covered during cooking?
Yes, cover the skillet after adding the asparagus and reducing the heat to medium-low.
How long does the quinoa cook after adding asparagus?
It takes approximately 15 to 20 minutes for the quinoa to cook and the liquid to be absorbed.
What kind of cheese is used?
The recipe uses a grated Parmesan-Romano cheese mix.
What herbs can be used for seasoning?
You can use either 1/4 teaspoon of dried marjoram or dried thyme leaves.
When do I add the cheese?
Gently fold in the grated Parmesan-Romano cheese once the skillet is removed from the heat.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are a total of 8 ingredients required.
Can I adjust the black pepper?
Yes, the recipe suggests 1/8 teaspoon of black pepper, but you can season it to taste.
What is the heat setting for the final stage?
The heat should be reduced to medium-low while cooking the asparagus and quinoa under a cover.
How do I handle the seasoning packet?
Mix the seasoning packet from the quinoa box into the skillet when you add the first cup of hot broth.
Is this a good side dish?
Yes, it is perfect as a side dish or can even be served as a light main course.
How much onion and carrot is used?
The recipe calls for 1 medium onion (1/2 cup) and 1 medium carrot (1/2 cup), both chopped.
Should the broth be hot or cold?
The instructions specify using hot broth.
Do I need to stir the quinoa?
Yes, stir the mixture occasionally during the first 5 minutes and frequently during the final 15-20 minutes.
What if the liquid is absorbed before the quinoa is done?
The instructions suggest adding broth 1 cup at a time as needed until the quinoa is fully cooked.
Is this recipe considered healthy?
Yes, it is tagged as a healthy recipe and is packed with nutrients from quinoa and fresh vegetables.