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Homemade Quinoa Side Dish photo

Quinoa Side Dish

A light, toasted quinoa side flavored with stock, toasted pine nuts, green onion, and cilantro.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients
  

  • 1 T grapeseed oil see notes
  • 1 C quinoa rinsed if package indicates; drain 5 minutes
  • 1 3/4 cup chicken or vegetable stock
  • salt to taste, about 1/2 tsp or a bit less
  • 3/4 cup pine nuts toasted in a dry pan
  • 1/2 cup green onion sliced
  • 2 T cilantro finely chopped (see notes)

Equipment

  • heavy pot with tight-fitting lid
  • Fine mesh strainer
  • dry frying pan
  • Fork

Method
 

  1. If the quinoa package indicates rinsing is required, place 1 cup quinoa in a fine-mesh strainer and rinse under cold water until foam is gone; let drain at least 5 minutes.
  2. Heat 1 tablespoon grapeseed oil in a heavy pot over medium heat.
  3. Add the drained quinoa and sauté, stirring, for 3–4 minutes until it smells toasted.
  4. Carefully add 1 3/4 cup chicken or vegetable stock, add salt (about 1/2 tsp or to taste), stir, and bring to a boil.
  5. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 15 minutes or until the liquid is absorbed.
  6. While the quinoa cooks, toast 3/4 cup pine nuts in a dry frying pan over high heat, stirring, for 1–2 minutes until fragrant and lightly golden; do not let them burn.
  7. When the quinoa is done, remove from heat and let it stand, covered, for 5 minutes.
  8. While it stands, slice 1/2 cup green onion and finely chop 2 tablespoons cilantro.
  9. Fluff the quinoa with a fork, then stir in the toasted pine nuts, sliced green onion, and chopped cilantro.
  10. Serve hot or warm.

Notes

  • Check quinoa package for rinsing instructions.
  • Toast pine nuts briefly until fragrant to avoid bitterness.
  • Adjust salt to taste.
  • Cilantro can be substituted with parsley if preferred.