Warm Quinoa With Lemon and Herbs | Healthy Recipe

Warm quinoa with lemon and herbs is a flavorful and comforting side dish that is a great addition to almost any meal.

My husband used to absolutely hate quinoa, and I have to admit, the way I used to make it was very plain and unenjoyable...

I didn't know about rinsing it or sauteing it before boiling, which makes a huge difference in the end result. And I didn't season it with much either.

Then I discovered this recipe and made my own version of it and my husband said, "Wow, I actually want to get seconds of this!"

I loved it too. Fresh lemon, herbs and garlic. Lots of flavours that are classic and simple and go SO WELL in quinoa.

And, this makes a fantastic side dish that goes with pretty much any meal. It's a great recipe for transitioning from summer to fall as it uses the last of the fresh herbs of summer and is warm and comforting in the cool fall weather.

If you only like quinoa a little bit but want to like it a lot, this recipe is for you!

What is Quinoa?

Many people think that quinoa is a grain since it's used like many other grains, like wheat, rice and millet. But, it's actually the seed of the quinoa plant, which is native to South America but is now grown in countries all over the world.

The health world often refers to quinoa as a whole grain, which isn't really true, but we'll have to go with it! It has many benefits just like other whole grains, so it gets lumped in the same healthy food category.

Is Quinoa Healthy?

Quinoa contains many vitamins and minerals, including all the essential amino acids, as well as fibre and protein.

Quinoa is also gluten-free!

Because of all the nutrients within, it can decrease blood sugar, reduce inflammation, fight many diseases and improve your overall health!

Can YOu Eat Quinoa Warm?

Warm is the best way to eat cooked quinoa (in my opinion!) It's fluffier, more comforting and flavorful. However, you can still eat it cold on its own or in a wrap or a salad.

Is This Recipe Vegan?

This recipe contains only plant-based ingredients and is, therefore, a vegan side dish.

Main Dishes that Go With Warm Quinoa

Warm quinoa makes a great side for your favorite main dish: fish, steak, pork chops, roasts, chicken and more! Add some roasted vegetables or a salad and you've got a delicious and healthy balanced meal.

Tips for Making Warm Quinoa

• Rinsing the quinoa first is a must! It gets rid of the outer coating which has a very bitter taste
• Sauteing the quinoa and garlic before cooking gives it a toasty flavor and gives the flavors in the garlic a chance to soften so they aren't so sharp
• Fresh herbs give the best flavor, but you can substitute dried ones (use half the measurement)
• In many cases, cooking quinoa in chicken stock is a great way to increase flavor, but I find I prefer this recipe cooked in just water. It allows the lemon, herbs and garlic to really shine. But, you can make it with chicken stock if you wish!

Variations of Warm Quinoa

• If you eat cheese, top with some crumbled feta cheese before serving
• If you'd like some crunch, sprinkle in some sunflower seeds or pine nuts
• For added nutrition, thinly slice some curly kale or spinach and add it in when you add the lemon juice. It will quickly wilt in the warmth and you'll be getting some extra leafy greens in!
• You can add some lemon zest for an extra punch of citrus flavor

Tools You May Need

Fine mesh strainer

Medium saucepan

Wooden spoon

How to Make Warm Quinoa Side Dish

Ingredients:

• 1 cup quinoa
• 2 tablespoon olive oil
• 6 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups water
• ½ teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 tablespoon fresh thyme
• 1 teaspoon fresh rosemary
• 2 tablespoon fresh parsley
• 3 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon sea salt
• ½ teaspoon ground black pepper

Instructions:

Rinse quinoa thoroughly and strain. Heat oil in a saucepan over medium heat, then add quinoa and garlic and stir constantly for 5 minutes, or until you can smell the garlic strongly.

Add water, oregano, thyme and rosemary and stir to combine. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce heat to medium-low, cover and simmer for 13-15 minutes or until the water is absorbed.

Turn heat off, stir in parsley, lemon juice, salt and pepper and cover again and allow to sit for 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork and serve!

How to Store Leftover Warm Quinoa

Store leftover quinoa in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days (the flavors will weaken the longer it sits in the fridge, so it's best eaten within 2 days).

Did you try this recipe and love it? If so, I would so appreciate a 5-star review and your comments below! Thanks!

MORE HEALTHY SIDE DISHES

• INSTANT POT MUSHROOM RICE
• GERMAN RED CABBAGE
• CRISPY OVEN FRIES
• PAN-FRIED ASPARAGUS
• OVEN ROASTED CARROTS & ASPARAGUS