Green Spinach Quinoa
Quinoa has Peruvian origins and was named the "mother grain" by the ancient Incas. The grain (which is actually part of the same family as spinach) is high in protein and has a large nutrient-rich germ. Quinoa seeds are naturally coated in saponins, which have a bitter, soapy taste, so be sure to thoroughly rinse the grains before cooking them. Serve this simple dish alongside your favorite grilled meat, poultry or seafood.
Yield 6 servings
Ingredients
1 cup quinoa
2 cups baby spinach
1/2 cup loosely packed fresh cilantro leaves
1 lime, just the juice
1/2 small jalapeno, seeded
1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
1 clove garlic
3/4 teaspoon Kosher salt
2 tablespoons Cheddar, Parmesan, or Cotija cheese
| 1 | Bring a medium saucepan filled two-thirds full of water to a boil. Place the quinoa in a fine mesh strainer and rinse a few times. Add the quinoa to the saucepan, lower the heat and simmer until the grains are tender and the germ (which looks like a white tail) just shows inside each grain, about 12 minutes. Strain the quinoa and rinse under cold water. Drain again, then set aside to dry out well. |
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| 2 | Meanwhile, combine spinach, cilantro, lime juice, jalapeno, oil and garlic in a food processor and pulse until finely chopped. |
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| 3 | Combine quinoa, spinach mixture, and salt in the same saucepan the quinoa cooked in and set over medium-low heat. Cook, stirring, until warmed through, about 3 minutes. Stir in half the cheese. Transfer to a serving dish and sprinkle with the remaining half of cheese. Serve warm or at room temperature. |
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