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One-pot quinoa

17/11/2023

Quinoa is a very versatile ingredient and the one-pot preparation makes everything even simpler, excellent for both a complete meal and a nourishing side dish. Here is a version of the dish with an Italian touch, using ingredients that are easily available and very common in Mediterranean cooking.

Ingredients

  • 1 cup of quinoa
  • 2 cups of vegetable or chicken broth
  • 1 clove of garlic, minced
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 1 red bell pepper, diced
  • 1 zucchini, diced
  • 1 cup of cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 teaspoon of dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon of dried basil
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • Extra virgin olive oil
  • Grated Parmesan or mozzarella pieces, for serving (optional)

Preparation

  1. Rinse the quinoa well under cold running water, using a fine mesh strainer to remove the bitter taste of the outer coating (saponin).

  2. In a large pot, heat a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil and sauté the garlic and onion until they become translucent.

  3. Add the red bell pepper and zucchini, cook for a few minutes until they begin to soften.

  4. Add the rinsed quinoa and toast for 1-2 minutes with the vegetables.

  5. Pour in the vegetable or chicken broth, add the oregano and basil, season with salt and pepper to taste.

  6. Bring everything to a boil, then reduce the heat, cover, and let simmer for about 15-20 minutes, or until the quinoa has absorbed all the liquid and the grains become translucent.

  7. Add the cherry tomatoes, gently stir to not break them, and let warm for a few minutes.

  8. Turn off the heat and let the quinoa sit covered for another 5 minutes.

  9. When serving, if desired, sprinkle with grated Parmesan or add pieces of mozzarella for a touch of creaminess.

Curiosity

Quinoa is not a cereal grain, but a seed from a plant that belongs to the same family as spinach and beets. It is known as a “pseudo-cereal” because it is cooked and eaten like a cereal and has a similar nutritional profile. Quinoa is gluten-free and high in protein, making it an excellent choice for those looking for alternatives to traditional grains.

One-pot quinoa