Ingredients:

  • 1 cup (170g) uncooked quinoa
  • 2 cups (480ml) low-sodium vegetable broth
  • 3 tbsp (45ml) extra virgin olive oil
  • 1/2 tsp (3g) fine sea salt
  • 1/2 cup (50g) yellow onion, finely diced
  • 3 cloves (9g) garlic, minced
  • 1/4 tsp (1g) cracked black pepper
  • 2 tbsp (8g) fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1 tbsp (15ml) fresh lemon juice

Instructions:

  1. Place the quinoa in a fine-mesh strainer and rinse under cold running water for 30–60 seconds, shaking the basket frequently. Let it drain thoroughly.
  2. Heat 2 tablespoons (30ml) of olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add the drained quinoa and stir constantly for 3–5 minutes until the grains reach a mahogany-colored hue and smell like toasted hazelnuts.
  3. Push the toasted quinoa to the side of the pan. Add the remaining 1 tablespoon (15ml) of olive oil and sauté the diced onion and minced garlic until the onion is translucent and fragrant, about 2 minutes.
  4. Stir in the vegetable broth, salt, and black pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil, then immediately reduce heat to low, cover with a tight-fitting lid, and simmer for 15 minutes.
  5. Remove the pan from the heat. Keep the lid on and let the quinoa sit undisturbed for 5 minutes.
  6. Remove the lid and use a fork to gently lift and fluff the grains. Stir in chopped fresh parsley and fresh lemon juice before serving.