Zesty Lemon Herb Quinoa
Zesty Lemon Herb Quinoa is a vibrant and refreshing dish that transforms humble quinoa into a delightful culinary experience. The slight nuttiness of the toasted quinoa pairs beautifully with the bright flavors of fresh lemon juice and aromatic herbs. This dish serves beautifully as a light main course or a flavorful side, making it incredibly versatile. Ideal for a quick weeknight meal or a fancy brunch, serve it warm or at room temperature. With its delightful texture and refreshing taste, it'll quickly become a cherished staple in your kitchen.
2
Servings
190
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
Extra virgin olive oil
1 teaspoon (None)
Quinoa
1 cup (Rinse under cold water)
Vegetable broth
1 1/3 cups (None)
Salt
1/8 teaspoon, plus more to taste (None)
Dried basil
1/4 teaspoon (None)
Fresh lemon juice
1 1/2 tablespoons (Squeeze from fresh lemons)
Flat leaf parsley
1/2 cup (Chopped)
Instructions
1
Begin by rinsing the quinoa under cold water in a fine-mesh strainer until the bubbles subside, ensuring a clean taste.
2
In a medium saucepan, heat the extra virgin olive oil over medium heat and add the rinsed quinoa, stirring frequently.
3
Toast the quinoa for about 4 minutes, or until it becomes lightly golden and fragrant.
4
Pour in the vegetable broth, followed by the salt and dried basil. Stir gently to combine.
5
Increase the heat to bring the mixture to a boil, then lower the heat to a simmer. Cover the saucepan and let it cook for 15 minutes, or until all the broth is absorbed.
6
Once cooked, fluff the quinoa gently with a fork and allow it to sit covered for a few minutes to slightly cool.
7
Add the fresh lemon juice and chopped parsley, then fluff again with the fork until everything is well combined.
8
Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt if needed, then serve warm or at room temperature.
Nutrition Information
3.5g
Fat
33g
Carbs
7g
Protein
3g
Fiber
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Zesty Lemon Herb Quinoa?
Zesty Lemon Herb Quinoa is a vibrant and refreshing dish that combines toasted quinoa with fresh lemon juice, vegetable broth, and aromatic herbs like parsley and basil.
Is this recipe vegan?
Yes, this recipe is entirely vegan as it uses extra virgin olive oil and vegetable broth instead of animal-based products.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe is designed to yield 2 servings.
How many calories are in a serving of Zesty Lemon Herb Quinoa?
Each serving contains approximately 190 calories.
Why do I need to rinse the quinoa?
Rinsing quinoa under cold water removes the natural coating called saponin, which can otherwise give the grain a bitter or soapy taste.
What is the benefit of toasting the quinoa before boiling?
Toasting the quinoa for about 4 minutes brings out a delightful nuttiness and provides a deeper golden color and fragrant aroma to the final dish.
How much vegetable broth is needed?
The recipe calls for 1 1/3 cups of vegetable broth to cook 1 cup of quinoa.
How long does it take to cook the quinoa?
After bringing the mixture to a boil, you should cover and simmer the quinoa for about 15 minutes or until all the liquid is absorbed.
Can I serve this dish cold?
Yes, this dish can be served warm, at room temperature, or even chilled as a healthy salad.
What herbs are used in this recipe?
This recipe uses a combination of dried basil during the cooking process and fresh flat-leaf parsley added at the end.
Is this dish gluten-free?
Yes, quinoa is naturally gluten-free, and all other ingredients listed are typically gluten-free as well.
Can I use bottled lemon juice instead of fresh?
While you can use bottled juice, fresh lemon juice is highly recommended to achieve the signature zesty and vibrant flavor of this recipe.
What is the protein content of this dish?
There are 7 grams of protein per serving in this recipe.
How much fat is in one serving?
Each serving contains approximately 3.5g of fat, primarily from the heart-healthy extra virgin olive oil.
What kind of oil should I use?
Extra virgin olive oil is specified for its flavor profile and health benefits.
How much fiber is in this quinoa dish?
Each serving provides 3 grams of dietary fiber.
Can I add other vegetables to this recipe?
Absolutely. This dish is very versatile; you can add diced cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, or roasted bell peppers for extra texture.
How should I store leftovers?
Store any leftover quinoa in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 5 days.
Can I freeze this recipe?
Yes, cooked quinoa freezes very well. Let it cool completely before placing it in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months.
What can I serve with Zesty Lemon Herb Quinoa?
It works beautifully as a light main course, or as a side dish for grilled tofu, roasted vegetables, or as part of a brunch spread.
Does the recipe contain any sugar?
The nutritional information indicates that there is no added sugar in this recipe.
How much salt is recommended?
The recipe suggests starting with 1/8 teaspoon of salt and adjusting to your personal taste preference.
What type of parsley is best?
Flat-leaf parsley (also known as Italian parsley) is recommended for its superior flavor compared to curly parsley.
How much lemon juice is used?
The recipe calls for 1 1/2 tablespoons of fresh lemon juice, added after the quinoa is cooked.
Can I substitute dried basil with other herbs?
Yes, you can substitute dried basil with dried oregano or thyme if you prefer a different herbal profile.
Is this a quick recipe to make?
Yes, with a total cooking time of about 20-25 minutes, it is categorized as a quick meal.
What is the carbohydrate count per serving?
There are approximately 33 grams of carbohydrates in each serving.
How do I fluff the quinoa?
Use a fork to gently lift and separate the grains once the cooking time is complete and the liquid is absorbed.
What should the texture of the quinoa be?
The quinoa should be light and fluffy, with a slightly nutty and tender bite.
Is there any cholesterol in this dish?
No, this recipe contains 0mg of cholesterol.