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To make Lemon Herb Quinoa, gather these fresh and tasty items: - 1 cup quinoa, rinsed - 2 cups vegetable broth or water - 1 tablespoon olive oil - 1 small onion, finely chopped - 2 cloves garlic, minced - Zest of 1 lemon - Juice of 1 lemon - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - 1 teaspoon dried thyme - Salt and pepper to taste - 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped - 1/4 cup cherry tomatoes, halved (for garnish) - 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled (optional) Use high-quality ingredients for the best flavor. Choose organic quinoa if possible. Fresh herbs make a big difference. Pick bright, firm tomatoes for garnish. Use fresh lemon for zest and juice. Good olive oil adds richness. If using feta, select a creamy type for a nice texture. You can easily adjust this recipe to fit your needs. For a gluten-free option, quinoa is already safe. If you want it vegan, skip the feta cheese. You can also swap out the vegetable broth for water. Use different herbs, like basil or dill, for new flavors. If you dislike onions, try leeks or shallots instead. {{ingredient_image_1}} 1. Start by rinsing 1 cup of quinoa under cold water. This helps remove any bitter taste. 2. In a medium saucepan, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. 3. Add 1 small chopped onion and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until it turns soft. 4. Toss in 2 minced garlic cloves and cook for another minute until you smell the garlic. 5. Now, stir in the rinsed quinoa, lemon zest, 1 teaspoon of dried oregano, and 1 teaspoon of dried thyme. Cook this mixture for 1-2 minutes to toast the quinoa slightly. 6. Pour in 2 cups of vegetable broth or water, and bring it to a boil. 7. Once it boils, reduce the heat to low. Cover the saucepan and let it simmer for 15 minutes. 8. After the time is up, take it off the heat. Let it sit covered for another 5 minutes. 9. Fluff the quinoa with a fork. Add the juice of 1 lemon, salt, and pepper to taste. 10. Mix in 1/4 cup of chopped fresh parsley. 11. Serve it in a dish and top with halved cherry tomatoes and feta cheese, if you like. - Always rinse quinoa before cooking. This step removes bitterness. - Use the right water-to-quinoa ratio. For this recipe, it’s 2 cups of liquid for 1 cup of quinoa. - Avoid stirring too much while it cooks. Stir only before serving. - Let it rest covered after cooking. This helps it become fluffy. - Prep time: 10 minutes - Cook time: 20 minutes - Total time: 30 minutes These steps and tips will lead you to a perfect Lemon Herb Quinoa that is fresh and flavorful. Enjoy the process and the delicious meal! When making Lemon Herb Quinoa, avoid rinsing quinoa too little. Rinsing removes a bitter coating called saponin. Not using enough liquid can lead to dry quinoa. Stick to the 2 cups of broth or water for best results. Also, don’t skip the resting time after cooking. Letting it sit helps the quinoa become fluffy. Store leftover quinoa in an airtight container. Keep it in the fridge for up to five days. If you plan to keep it longer, freeze it in portions. This way, you can easily use it later. When stored correctly, the quinoa stays fresh and tasty. To boost the flavor, try adding fresh herbs like basil or cilantro. You can mix in some chopped mint for a refreshing twist. Using spices like cumin or smoked paprika also adds depth. Experiment with flavors that you enjoy to make this dish your own. Pro Tips Rinse Your Quinoa: Always rinse quinoa under cold water before cooking to remove its natural coating, called saponin, which can give a bitter taste. Toast for Flavor: Toasting quinoa in the olive oil with the onions and garlic enhances its nuttiness and adds depth to the flavor profile. Resting Time: Allowing the cooked quinoa to rest for a few minutes after cooking helps it to firm up and makes it easier to fluff. Fresh Herbs for Brightness: Adding fresh herbs like parsley at the end of cooking preserves their vibrant flavor and color, making the dish more appealing. {{image_2}} You can add seasonal vegetables to your Lemon Herb Quinoa. Think about fresh bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach. These veggies give color and taste. For spring, use asparagus or peas. In summer, try corn or cherry tomatoes. Fall brings in roasted butternut squash or brussels sprouts. Each season offers great choices. Just chop them up and add them while cooking. This way, you keep the dish fresh and vibrant. Adding protein can make this dish more filling. You can mix in cooked chickpeas or black beans for a plant-based protein boost. If you enjoy meat, grilled chicken or shrimp complements the lemon flavor. For a creamy touch, add some crumbled feta cheese. You can also stir in some cooked quinoa for extra texture. Choose what fits your taste and need. Protein not only adds flavor but also makes it a complete meal. This Lemon Herb Quinoa is already vegan and gluten-free. To keep it that way, choose vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. Always check labels on ingredients like canned beans. Ensure no gluten is present. For a nutty flavor, add some toasted sunflower seeds. You can even swap olive oil for avocado oil for a different twist. These changes help maintain the dish’s essence while catering to different diets. Enjoy creating your own version! To store Lemon Herb Quinoa, let it cool first. Place it in an airtight container. Keep it in the fridge. It will stay fresh for about 3 to 5 days. You can also add a bit more lemon juice before storing. This helps keep the flavors bright. To freeze your Lemon Herb Quinoa, use a freezer-safe bag or container. Make sure to remove all air before sealing. Label the bag with the date. You can freeze it for up to 3 months. When ready to use, thaw it in the fridge overnight. Reheat quinoa in the microwave or on the stove. Add a splash of water or broth to keep it moist. Heat until warm, stirring to mix. For the best taste, add fresh parsley and lemon juice after reheating. This keeps the flavors fresh and bright. Quinoa is a small, round seed that cooks like a grain. It is high in protein and fiber. Quinoa is also gluten-free, making it great for many diets. It has all nine essential amino acids, which helps build muscles. Quinoa contains vitamins and minerals, like magnesium and iron. Eating quinoa can help keep your heart healthy and boost your energy. Yes, you can make Lemon Herb Quinoa ahead of time. It stores well in the fridge for up to five days. Just let it cool before storing. Place it in an airtight container to keep it fresh. When you are ready to eat, reheat it in a pan or microwave. You may want to add a splash of lemon juice for extra flavor. Quinoa is done cooking when it is fluffy and the little tails appear. These tails are called germ rings and look like tiny spirals. If all the liquid is gone and the quinoa is soft, it is ready. You can taste a bit to check the texture. If it feels crunchy, give it a few more minutes. You have now learned about all the key parts of making Lemon Herb Quinoa. We covered the right ingredients, cooking steps, and tips for success. I shared ways to store leftovers and different variations to try. Quinoa is healthy and easy to make. You can enjoy it as a side or a meal. Experiment with flavors and find what you love. With this guide, you’re ready to create a tasty dish that fits your needs. Enjoy making it today!

Lemon Herb Quinoa Delight

A refreshing and nutritious quinoa dish infused with lemon and herbs.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Mediterranean
Servings 4
Calories 250 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup quinoa, rinsed
  • 2 cups vegetable broth or water
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 unit zest of 1 lemon
  • 1 unit juice of 1 lemon
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • 1 4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1 4 cup cherry tomatoes, halved (for garnish)
  • 1 4 cup feta cheese, crumbled (optional)

Instructions
 

  • In a saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until translucent.
  • Add the minced garlic and sauté for another minute until fragrant.
  • Stir in the rinsed quinoa, lemon zest, dried oregano, and dried thyme, cooking for 1-2 minutes to toast the quinoa slightly.
  • Pour in the vegetable broth (or water) and bring to a boil.
  • Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the saucepan, and simmer for 15 minutes or until all the liquid is absorbed.
  • After the cooking time, remove from heat and let it sit covered for an additional 5 minutes.
  • Fluff the quinoa with a fork and mix in the fresh parsley, lemon juice, salt, and pepper to taste.
  • Transfer to a serving dish and garnish with cherry tomatoes and crumbled feta cheese if using.

Notes

Feta cheese is optional for added flavor.
Keyword healthy, herbs, lemon, quinoa, vegetarian