Ingredients:
- 1 cup (170g) uncooked quinoa, rinsed
- 2 cups (480ml) vegetable broth, low sodium
- 2 tbsp (30ml) extra virgin olive oil
- 1/2 tsp (3g) sea salt
- 1 medium (110g) yellow onion, diced
- 3 cloves (9g) garlic, minced
- 2 medium (120g) carrots, diced small
- 1 red (100g) bell pepper, diced
- 1/2 cup (80g) frozen peas, thawed
- 1/2 cup (80g) frozen corn, thawed
- 2 cups (60g) fresh baby spinach
- 1 tbsp (15ml) fresh lemon juice
- 2 tbsp (8g) fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/4 tsp (1.5g) cracked black pepper
Instructions:
- Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add the rinsed, dry quinoa and stir constantly for 2–3 minutes until the grains smell nutty and turn a light golden brown.
- Pour in the 2 cups vegetable broth and 1/2 tsp salt. Bring the mixture to a rolling boil.
- Reduce heat to low, cover with a tight-fitting lid, and simmer for 15 minutes.
- Remove the pan from heat and let it sit, covered, for 5 minutes. Fluff the quinoa with a fork.
- While the quinoa is simmering, heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large sauté pan over medium-high heat.
- Add the diced onion and carrots. Cook for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onions are translucent and carrots have softened.
- Stir in the minced garlic and red bell pepper. Cook for another 3–4 minutes.
- Increase the heat to high for 60 seconds, tossing in the peas and corn until they are heated through and slightly charred.
- Add the baby spinach to the pan and stir for 1 minute until just wilted.
- Gently fold the cooked, fluffed quinoa into the vegetable mixture.
- Remove from heat and stir in the lemon juice, chopped parsley, and black pepper.