I was amazed at the amount of emails and comments I recieved after my post on forbidden rice. People really want recipies on more interesting and flavorful ways to prepare grains! Quinoa with Basil Pesto and Fresh Cheese is an incredibly flavorful and healthy side dish. You can also add vegetables or protein to create a wonderful main course. I love how the cheese gives the quinoa some creaminess and the rich pesto imparts tons of flavor. Although considered a grain, quinoa is actually a relative of leafy green vegetables, such as spinach and Swiss chard. It is a protein-rich seed that becomes fluffy and nutty when cooked.
Quinoa (pronounced "KEEN-wah") is a complete protein, meaning that it includes all nine essential amino acids. This is a fabulous food that should be a staple for vegans, vegetarians and those with Celiac Disease* or gluten sensitivities. It is a very good source of manganese, magnesium, iron, copper and phosphorus. It is especially high in the amino acid lysine, which is essential for tissue growth and repair. Quinoa is incredibly beneficial to those with migraine headaches, diabetes and atherosclerosis (heart disease).INGREDIENTS
- 1 cup quinoa
- 2 cups water or chicken/vegetable broth
- 1/2 cup basil pesto (see Beet, Pesto and Goat Cheese Crostini for recipe)
- 1/2 cup homemade cheese, farmers cheese from the store, cream cheese or your favorite cheese
- top with optional diced basil, tomato or walnuts
Thoroughly wash the quinoa seeds in cold water by gently rubbing the seeds together with your hands. Rinse and repeat twice.
Add the rinsed qunioa and water/broth to a saucepan. Once it begins to boil, reduce the heat to a simmer and cover. Cooking time takes 15-20 minutes. When the quinoa is complete, you will notice that the grains have become fluffy and lighter and the white germ has partially detached itself. Fluff the quinoa and gently fold in the pesto and the cheese. Season to taste with sea salt and pepper and sprinkle on optional toppings.*Most people with Celiac Disease are able to eat quinoa, but if you have Celiac's and have never eaten quinoa, I recommend trying a little bit to see how your system responds.
21 comments:
I love quinoa. Just plain or with other ingredients. I would like to try this one soon.
I just bought some quinoa. I'm gonna try this with my kkaenip pesto.
This is new to me. Never seen "quinoa" before. Wonder how it's taste like?
This looks so yummy! I will definetly give this one a go!
quinoa and pesto - i've never tried it, but it sounds like a nice combo!
Yum! Quinoa is one of my favorite foods. I'll add this to my collection.
Great idea. It's perfect for a weeknight when you want to cook from the pantry. Now if we can just learn to pronounce quinoa properly...
Hooray for quinoa! I love that people are getting to know it better and invite it for dinner more often. Even though we're a dreaded low-carb household, I use this mixed with brown rice, or just on its own when I get the craving for fried rice. I love the texture!
This sounds like a great quinoa dish! Quinoa and pesto sounds delicious.
What a wonderfully delicious Quinoa preparation, would love it with fresh cheese!
The cheese sounds perfect! I love quinoa but sometimes I feel like if I don't cook it in a tomato broth, it comes out very bland.
I love this combination - creative and so practical!
Thank you! I have some leftover quinoa & was wondering what to do with it!
Interesting dish :) I've not heard or tasted Quinoa. Thks for sharing!
great way to cook quinoa love it
A new dish for me. Yet to try Quinoa. Looks like a very healthy dish and simple to prepare. Thanks for sharing
@Divina Pe: Me too! It is so yummy and nutty!
@Tamar1973: Oooh, what is kkaenip pesto? I would love to try it!
@Anncoo: It tastes kind of like brown rice, but a little nuttier...at least that is what it tastes like to me.
@Sanjana: Thanks! You should :)
@miss v: I have decided that pureed herbs work with most foods!
@Mother Rimmy: Me too! Great!
@Vegetable Matter: I know, it cooks so quickly!
@denise, the prime magpie: Great idea to mix it with brown rice!
@lisaiscooking: The quinoa just soaks up flavor so well!
@5 Star Foodie: I really love the fresh cheese, it makes the dish taste like I made it on a farm :)
@experimentalculinarypursuits: I have never tried tomato broth...good tip!
@Simply Life: Thanks so much!
@Bianca: Great! I hope you enjoy it :)
@Blackswan: Give it a try! They seem to have it at a lot more grocery stores these days.
@Chow and Chatter: Thanks!
@MaryMoh: Thanks! I hope you try it Mary!
Honestly, I've never eaten quinoa :o( I know I am missing out! Yours looks scrumptious! Wish I could pull it out of my computer and try it!
i love quinoa - i am relatively new to it in the past couple of months. I have been making it pretty plain though, so I will have to try this!
We've been eating quinoa for a couple of years now and just love it. I'll be adding this recipe to our repetoire.
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