Cheesy Quinoa Pilaf
Prep Time: 10 Minutes
Cook Time: 30 Minutes
Servings: 3
“This creamy pilaf incorporates the fluffy, nutty-flavored grain, quinoa, with a decadent and delicious goat cheese gouda. This has an amazing flavor and texture. Try serving with steamed salmon.”
Ingredients:
1/4 cup quinoa
3 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons raw sunflower seeds
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 cup fresh spinach leaves
2 teaspoons lemon juice
1/3 cup grated gouda cheese (other cheese choices: asiago, parmesan or romano)
Directions:
1.Bring a pot of lightly salted water to a boil over high heat. Add the quinoa, and cook until the quinoa is tender, 15 to 20 minutes. Drain in a mesh strainer, and rinse until cold; set aside.
2.Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat, stir in the sunflower seeds, and cook until lightly toasted, about 2 minutes. Stir in the garlic, and cook until the garlic softens and the aroma mellows, about 2 minutes. Stir in the cooled quinoa and spinach; cook and stir until the quinoa is hot, and the spinach has wilted. Stir in the lemon juice, and all but a pinch of the cheese. Stir until the cheese has melted. Serve sprinkled with the remaining cheese.