Cilantro Quinoa

Cilantro Quinoa is a refreshing and aromatic Moroccan side dish that pairs perfectly with a variety of Mediterranean meals. This vibrant dish features fluffy quinoa, bright cilantro, and a hint of lemon, making it a delightful addition to any table.

Cilantro Quinoa
25 minutes
Difficulty: Easy
Moroccan
320 kcal

Ingredients

  • Quinoa - 150 grams
  • Water - 350 ml
  • Fresh cilantro - 30 grams, chopped
  • Lemon juice - 2 tablespoons
  • Olive oil - 1 tablespoon
  • Garlic - 1 clove, minced
  • Ground cumin - 1 teaspoon
  • Salt - 1/2 teaspoon
  • Black pepper - 1/4 teaspoon
  • Chopped almonds - 30 grams (optional)

Steps

  1. Rinse the quinoa under cold water to remove any bitterness.
  2. In a medium saucepan, combine the rinsed quinoa and water. Bring to a boil over high heat.
  3. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the saucepan, and let it simmer for about 15 minutes or until the quinoa is fluffy and the water is absorbed.
  4. While the quinoa is cooking, heat the olive oil in a small pan over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and ground cumin, sautéing for about 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
  5. Remove the pan from heat, and stir in the lemon juice, salt, and black pepper.
  6. Once the quinoa is cooked, fluff it with a fork and transfer it to a large bowl. Pour the garlic-cumin mixture over the quinoa, add the chopped cilantro, and mix well.
  7. If desired, fold in the chopped almonds for added crunch.
  8. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Nutrition

  • Calories: 320
  • Protein: 10 g
  • Carbs: 45 g
  • Fiber: 6 g
  • Sugar: 1 g
  • Sodium: 250 mg
  • Cholesterol: 0 mg
  • Total Fat: 10 g
  • Saturated Fat: 1 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
  • Water: 0.35 L

Health Benefits

  • Rich in protein and fiber, promoting digestive health.
  • Contains antioxidants from cilantro and healthy fats from olive oil.

Tags

MoroccanVegetarianSide Dish