Toasty Quinoa with Herbs (Printable)

Nutty toasted quinoa combined with fresh herbs and crunchy nuts offers a simple, savory side dish.

# What You’ll Need:

→ Grains

01 - 1 cup quinoa (uncooked)

→ Liquids

02 - 2 cups vegetable broth or water

→ Aromatics & Seasoning

03 - 1 tablespoon olive oil
04 - 1 small shallot, finely chopped
05 - 1 garlic clove, minced
06 - 1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
07 - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

→ Fresh Herbs

08 - 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley or cilantro

→ Optional Garnish

09 - 2 tablespoons toasted sliced almonds or pumpkin seeds

# How-To Steps:

01 - Rinse the quinoa thoroughly under cold water using a fine-mesh sieve to remove any bitterness.
02 - In a medium saucepan over medium heat, add olive oil. Sauté the chopped shallot for 2 minutes until softened.
03 - Add the minced garlic and sauté for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
04 - Add the rinsed quinoa to the pan. Toast, stirring frequently, for 3–4 minutes, until the grains smell nutty and begin to turn golden.
05 - Pour in the vegetable broth (or water), salt, and black pepper. Stir to combine.
06 - Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes, or until the liquid is absorbed and the quinoa is tender.
07 - Remove from heat. Let stand, covered, for 5 minutes.
08 - Fluff the quinoa with a fork. Stir in chopped herbs and top with toasted almonds or pumpkin seeds if desired. Serve warm.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • The toasting step creates an incredible depth of flavor that most people never experience with quinoa
  • It comes together in under 30 minutes but tastes like something from a restaurant kitchen
  • The recipe is incredibly forgiving and works with whatever herbs or broth you have on hand
02 -
  • Skip the rinsing step and your quinoa may taste bitter no matter how well you cook it
  • Do not lift the lid while simmering or you will disrupt the steaming process
  • The quinoa continues cooking as it rests, so do not skip the standing time
03 -
  • Listen for the quinoa to start popping slightly during toasting, that is when it is perfectly done
  • Use a wide pan rather than a narrow pot for better evaporation while toasting

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