Lemon quinoa with olive oil
Discover a refreshing recipe for Lemon Quinoa with Olive Oil. This dish features fluffy quinoa infused with zesty lemon zest and tangy lemon juice, perfectly complemented by rich olive oil. Quick and easy to prepare, it’s an ideal side dish or light meal bursting with fresh flavors.
Cook time 35 min
Prep time 10 min
Ingredients:
1 tsp lemon zest1.50 tbsp olive oil
1 cup quinoa
2 tsp lemon juice
Lemon quinoa with olive oil is a delightful dish that combines the nutty flavor of quinoa with the fresh, zesty notes of lemon. This simple yet flavorful recipe is perfect as a side dish or as a base for a more elaborate meal. With only a few ingredients, it's both easy to prepare and nutritious, making it an excellent choice for a healthy and delicious meal.
Instructions:
- Place the quinoa in a fine-mesh strainer and rinse under cold running water for about 1-2 minutes. This helps remove the natural coating called saponin, which can make quinoa taste bitter.
- In a medium saucepan over medium heat, add the rinsed quinoa. Toast it for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it starts to dry out and has a slightly nutty aroma. This step enhances the flavor but is optional.
- Add 2 cups of water (or vegetable broth) to the saucepan with the quinoa.
- Increase the heat to high and bring the mixture to a boil.
- Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the saucepan with a lid, and let it simmer for about 15 minutes, or until the quinoa has absorbed all the liquid.
- Remove the saucepan from heat and let it sit for 5 minutes with the lid on.
- After 5 minutes, remove the lid and fluff the quinoa with a fork to separate the grains.
- Transfer the cooked quinoa to a large bowl.
- Add 1 teaspoon of lemon zest, 1.5 tablespoons of olive oil, and 2 teaspoons of lemon juice to the quinoa.
- Mix everything together until well combined. Add salt to taste if desired.
- Serve the lemon quinoa warm or at room temperature, as a side dish or main course. It pairs well with grilled vegetables, fish, or chicken.
Tips:
- Rinse the quinoa thoroughly before cooking to remove any bitterness.
- Use a fine grater to zest the lemon for the best results.
- Try using fresh lemon juice for the most vibrant flavor.
- Consider adding a pinch of salt or a few herbs like parsley or cilantro for an extra layer of taste.
- Fluff the quinoa with a fork after it's cooked to keep it light and airy.
Enjoy your beautifully fragrant lemon quinoa with olive oil! This dish is a perfect blend of flavors and textures that can accompany a variety of main courses or be enjoyed on its own. Its light and refreshing taste make it a versatile and healthy addition to your recipe repertoire. Happy cooking!
Nutrition per serving
4 ServingsCalories 50kcal
Protein 1.88g
Carbohydrates 9g
Fiber 1.20g
Sugar 0.43g
Fat 6g
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