Zesty Lemon Garlic Quinoa

$- 1 cup quinoa (rinsed) - 2 cups vegetable broth - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 3 cloves garlic, minced - Zest of 1 lemon - Juice of 1 lemon - 1 teaspoon salt - ½ teaspoon black pepper - ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional) - ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped - ¼ cup green onions, sliced To make Zesty Lemon Garlic Quinoa, you need simple and fresh ingredients. First, start with quinoa. Rinsing it removes bitter flavors. Next, use vegetable broth for a tasty base. Olive oil adds a rich flavor, while garlic gives it a warm aroma. The zest and juice of one lemon bring a bright, fresh taste. Salt and pepper enhance the flavors. If you like heat, add red pepper flakes. Finally, fresh parsley and green onions give color and a nice crunch. These ingredients come together to create a dish that is both healthy and delicious. You can prepare it quickly, making it great for busy days or special meals. {{ingredient_image_1}} 1. First, take a medium saucepan. Pour in 2 cups of vegetable broth. 2. Heat the broth on high until it boils. 3. Next, add 1 cup of rinsed quinoa to the boiling broth. 4. Lower the heat to a simmer. 5. Cover the pot and cook for about 15 minutes. 6. When done, the quinoa should absorb all the liquid and be fluffy. 1. While the quinoa cooks, grab a large skillet. 2. Pour in 2 tablespoons of olive oil. 3. Heat the oil over medium heat. 4. Add 3 cloves of minced garlic. 5. Sauté for 1-2 minutes. 6. The garlic should smell great but not brown. 1. Once the quinoa is ready, add it to the skillet with the garlic. 2. Mix in the zest and juice of 1 lemon. 3. Add 1 teaspoon of salt, ½ teaspoon of black pepper, and ½ teaspoon of red pepper flakes for heat. 4. Toss everything well. 5. Make sure the quinoa is evenly coated with the seasonings. 6. Finally, remove the skillet from heat. 7. Stir in ¼ cup of chopped parsley and ¼ cup of sliced green onions. Rinsing quinoa makes a big difference. It removes the saponins that can taste bitter. Rinse it under cold water in a fine mesh strainer. This simple step boosts flavor. Check quinoa for doneness by looking for tiny spirals. These show the quinoa is fluffy and ready. If it’s still crunchy, cook it a bit longer. Adjust salt and spices to fit your taste. Start with the recipe's amounts, then add more if needed. This makes your dish just right for you. You can add ingredients like feta cheese or chopped veggies for extra flavor. Try roasted bell peppers or sun-dried tomatoes for a tasty twist. These choices make the dish even more fun. Serve the quinoa on a large platter for a beautiful spread. Garnish with extra parsley and lemon wedges. This adds color and freshness to your meal. Use an herb sprig or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes on top. These small touches make the dish look appealing and invite everyone to dig in. Pro Tips Rinse Your Quinoa: Rinsing quinoa before cooking removes its natural coating, called saponin, which can make it taste bitter. Make sure to give it a good rinse under cold water for the best flavor. Boost Flavor with Broth: Using vegetable broth instead of water to cook quinoa adds an extra layer of flavor. Choose a low-sodium broth for a healthier option. Customize Your Herbs: Feel free to substitute parsley and green onions with other fresh herbs like cilantro, basil, or dill according to your preference to create different flavor profiles. Perfect Texture Tips: If you find your quinoa is too mushy, reduce the cooking time slightly. Conversely, if it’s too firm, add a splash more broth and let it steam covered for a few extra minutes. {{image_2}} You can easily boost the protein in your Zesty Lemon Garlic Quinoa. Adding chickpeas or beans creates a hearty dish. These options are simple and pack a great punch of flavor. You can also include grilled chicken or shrimp for a tasty twist. Both options add protein and make the meal more filling. Incorporating seasonal vegetables makes your dish colorful and fresh. Think of adding bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach. These veggies not only taste great but also add important nutrients. If you want convenience, use frozen veggies. They are quick to use and keep well in your freezer. Just toss them in during the last few minutes of cooking. If you need gluten-free options, this recipe is already safe for you. Quinoa is a gluten-free grain, so you can enjoy it without worry. For vegan-friendly tips, skip any animal protein. Instead, focus on adding extra veggies or a plant-based protein like tofu. This way, you keep the dish tasty and healthy. To keep Zesty Lemon Garlic Quinoa fresh, store it in an airtight container. This helps maintain its flavor and texture. Place it in the fridge right after it cools down. You can safely eat the leftovers for about three to five days. If you see any signs of spoilage, like an off smell or change in color, throw it away. If you want to store quinoa for a longer time, freezing is a great option. First, let the quinoa cool completely. Next, scoop it into freezer-safe bags. Remove as much air as possible to avoid freezer burn. It can stay fresh for about three months. When you're ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge. To reheat, simply warm it in a pan or microwave until hot. If you're cooking for a crowd, you can easily adjust ingredient amounts. For double the servings, use two cups of quinoa and four cups of broth. Just keep the other ingredients in the same ratio. This dish is great for meal prep. You can make a big batch and enjoy it throughout the week. Just remember to store it properly, so it stays tasty! To cook quinoa perfectly, rinse it first. This removes the bitter coating called saponin. A common mistake is using too little or too much liquid. The best ratio is 1 cup quinoa to 2 cups broth or water. Bring the broth to a boil, add the rinsed quinoa, then cover and simmer. Cook for about 15 minutes until it absorbs all the liquid. Fluff it with a fork after cooking. Yes, you can use water instead of broth. However, this may dull the flavor. Broth adds depth and a savory taste. If you choose water, consider adding herbs or spices. This can enhance the flavor. You might also add a splash of lemon juice or olive oil for richness. Zesty Lemon Garlic Quinoa pairs well with many dishes. Try it with grilled chicken or fish for protein. You can also serve it alongside roasted vegetables for a colorful plate. For a quick meal, add black beans or chickpeas. This makes it hearty and nutritious. Use it as a base for a salad with greens and a light dressing. This blog post covered how to make Zesty Lemon Garlic Quinoa. We talked about ingredients, cooking steps, and tips for the best results. You learned how to store leftovers and even adjust the recipe for your needs. Quinoa is versatile, tasty, and easy to make. It fits many diets and can be paired with various dishes. Enjoy experimenting with this simple, healthy recipe. Your meals can be fun and full of flavor!$

Zesty Lemon Garlic Quinoa

A refreshing and flavorful quinoa dish infused with lemon and garlic, perfect as a side or main course.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 15

Total Time 25

Course Main Course

Cuisine Mediterranean

Servings 4

Calories 200 kcal

Ingredients

1 cup quinoa (rinsed)
2 cups vegetable broth
2 tablespoons olive oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 lemon zest of
1 lemon juice of
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
¼ cup green onions, sliced

Instructions

In a medium saucepan, bring the vegetable broth to a boil. Add the rinsed quinoa, reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 15 minutes, or until all the liquid is absorbed and the quinoa is fluffy.
While the quinoa is cooking, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant but not browned.
Once the quinoa is cooked, add it to the skillet with the sautéed garlic.
Add lemon zest, lemon juice, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using) to the quinoa mixture. Toss everything together, ensuring the quinoa is evenly coated.
Remove from heat and stir in the chopped parsley and sliced green onions before serving.

Notes

Serve the quinoa on a large platter, garnished with additional parsley and lemon wedges for a pop of color. Use an herb sprig or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes on top for an inviting finish.

Keyword garlic, healthy, lemon, quinoa, vegetarian