Zesty Lemon Garlic Quinoa

$- 1 cup quinoa - 2 cups vegetable broth - 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil - 3 cloves garlic, finely minced - Zest and juice of 1 medium lemon - 1 teaspoon sea salt - ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper - ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional) - ¼ cup fresh parsley, coarsely chopped - ¼ cup green onions, thinly sliced Gather these ingredients to create a bright and tasty dish. Quinoa is a great base. It is full of protein and fiber. The vegetable broth gives it a rich flavor. Olive oil adds healthy fats. Garlic brings warmth and depth. The lemon zest and juice give a fresh kick. Salt and pepper make the flavors pop. Red pepper flakes add a hint of heat, if you like. Fresh parsley and green onions finish the dish with color and freshness. These ingredients come together to make a wholesome meal. {{ingredient_image_2}} - Bring 2 cups of vegetable broth to a boil. - Add 1 cup of rinsed quinoa. - Lower the heat and cover the saucepan. - Simmer for 15 minutes until fluffy. Cooking quinoa is simple and rewarding. The key is the broth. It adds nice flavor. Rinsing the quinoa removes bitterness. The broth should boil first for best results. Once you add the quinoa, don’t lift the lid. Let it cook gently. - Heat 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil in a skillet. - Sauté 3 cloves of minced garlic until fragrant. Garlic is the heart of this dish. When you heat olive oil, it shimmers. This means it’s ready. Add the minced garlic and stir often. You want it soft and fragrant, not brown. Burnt garlic tastes bitter and ruins the dish. - Fluff the quinoa and mix it with the sautéed garlic. - Toss in the zest and juice of 1 medium lemon, sea salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (optional). After cooking, fluff the quinoa with a fork. This makes it light and airy. Mix it gently with the garlic. Adding lemon zest and juice gives a bright taste. The salt and pepper enhance all the flavors. If you like heat, toss in red pepper flakes. Just before serving, add fresh parsley and green onions for a pop of color and taste. This makes the dish not only tasty but also beautiful. Enjoy your zesty lemon garlic quinoa! To get fluffy quinoa, rinse it well. Rinsing removes the bitter coating called saponin. Use a fine mesh strainer to rinse under cool water. This step is key! Avoid overcooking quinoa. When it simmers, watch the timer closely. Cook it for about 15 minutes on low heat. Once all the liquid is gone, it’s ready to fluff. Adjust the garlic and lemon to your taste. If you love garlic, add more than three cloves. For a brighter flavor, squeeze in extra lemon juice. Try adding fresh herbs like basil or dill. Spices like cumin or paprika can also add depth. Experiment with flavors to make it your own. Serve the quinoa in a large, shallow dish. This makes it look inviting and colorful. For a beautiful finish, garnish with fresh parsley. Arrange lemon wedges around the platter for a pop of color. You can even sprinkle some red pepper flakes on top for a touch of heat. Pro Tips Rinse Your Quinoa: Thoroughly rinsing the quinoa before cooking removes its natural coating, called saponin, which can give a bitter taste. This step is crucial for achieving a pleasant flavor. Adjusting Flavor: Feel free to tweak the lemon juice and zest to your liking. If you prefer a more pronounced lemon flavor, add more zest or juice gradually until you reach your desired taste. Cooking Quinoa Perfectly: Keep an eye on the cooking time and avoid lifting the lid too often. Quinoa cooks best when it’s allowed to steam in the covered pot, which helps it become fluffy. Make It a Meal: This zesty quinoa can easily be turned into a main dish. Add roasted vegetables, chickpeas, or grilled chicken for a heartier meal that’s still packed with flavor. {{image_4}} You can make your Zesty Lemon Garlic Quinoa even better by adding some veggies. Try mixing in spinach or bell peppers. They bring color and crunch. If you want extra protein, toss in chickpeas or chicken. Both options make the dish heartier and more filling. If you need a gluten-free dish, quinoa is already a great choice. Just make sure your broth is also gluten-free. For a vegan option, skip any chicken and use plant-based proteins. You can also add nuts or seeds for more texture and flavor. Want to switch up the flavor? Use different citrus fruits like lime or orange. Each fruit gives a unique twist. You can also experiment with herbs such as basil or mint. These herbs add freshness and depth to your dish, making it even more enjoyable. Store your leftover quinoa in a sealed container. Glass jars or plastic containers work well. Make sure to let it cool before sealing to avoid moisture build-up. You can keep it in the fridge for about 3 to 5 days. This keeps the flavors fresh and tasty. When reheating, aim to keep the quinoa fluffy. Place it in a skillet or microwave-safe dish. Add a splash of broth or water to help restore moisture. Heat it gently until warm, stirring occasionally. This way, the texture stays light and fluffy, just like when you first made it. Yes, you can use chicken broth. It adds a rich, savory flavor to the dish. If you want a vegetarian option, stick with vegetable broth. Both choices will make your quinoa tasty. Quinoa is done when it’s fluffy. Look for the tiny white spiral, called the germ, around each grain. If the quinoa is soft and no water remains, it’s ready to eat. You can make this dish ahead of time. Cook the quinoa and store it in the fridge. It stays fresh for about three to five days. Just add the lemon and herbs right before serving. Zesty lemon garlic quinoa is easy to make and full of flavor. We explored key ingredients like quinoa, garlic, and lemon juice. Step-by-step, I shared how to cook and combine these elements. Tips and variations help you tweak the dish to your taste. Store leftovers properly for future meals. With these insights, you can create a delicious, nutritious dish anytime. Enjoy making this recipe, and feel free to experiment!$

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

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10

Cook Time 15

Total Time 25

Course Main Course

Cuisine Mediterranean

Servings 4

Calories 220 kcal

Ingredients

1 cup quinoa, thoroughly rinsed
2 cups vegetable broth
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
3 cloves garlic, finely minced
1 medium lemon zest
1 medium lemon juice
1 teaspoon sea salt
0.5 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
0.5 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
0.25 cup fresh parsley, coarsely chopped
0.25 cup green onions, thinly sliced

Instructions

In a medium saucepan, bring the vegetable broth to a rolling boil over high heat. Once boiling, add in the rinsed quinoa. Immediately reduce the heat to low, cover the saucepan with a lid, and let it simmer gently for about 15 minutes.
While the quinoa is simmering, heat the extra virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the minced garlic. Sauté for 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently, until the garlic becomes fragrant and soft but is careful not to let it brown.
After the quinoa is cooked and fluffy, remove it from the heat and gently fluff it with a fork. Transfer the quinoa into the skillet with the sautéed garlic.
To the quinoa and garlic, add the lemon zest, freshly squeezed lemon juice, sea salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if desired). Gently toss all the ingredients together until the quinoa is well-coated.
Remove the skillet from the heat. Just before serving, fold in the chopped parsley and sliced green onions.

Notes

Serve in a large, shallow platter and garnish with fresh parsley and lemon wedges.

Keyword garlic, healthy, lemon, quinoa, vegetarian