Ingredients:

  • 1 cup (170g) quinoa
  • 2 cups (480ml) water
  • 1 tbsp (15ml) olive oil
  • 1/2 tsp (3g) salt
  • 2 tbsp (30ml) olive oil
  • 1 tbsp (6g) za'atar seasoning
  • 2 tbsp (30ml) fresh lemon juice
  • 1 tsp (2g) lemon zest
  • 1/4 tsp (1.5g) black pepper

Instructions:

  1. Place the quinoa in a fine-mesh strainer and rinse under cold running water for 30 seconds. Shake well to drain.
  2. Heat 1 tbsp (15ml) of olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Add the rinsed quinoa and stir for 2–3 minutes until it smells nutty and looks slightly toasted.
  3. Pour in the water and salt. Bring to a boil, then turn heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes until the liquid is absorbed.
  4. Remove the pan from heat and let it sit, covered, for 5 minutes.
  5. Remove the lid and fluff with a fork. In a small bowl, whisk together the remaining olive oil, za'atar, lemon juice, zest, and pepper.
  6. Pour the lemon-zaatar mixture over the warm quinoa and fold gently to combine.