Recipe: Pesto Quinoa

Quinoa recipes are famous for being simple, yet delicious. This is no exception. I actually made the pesto myself, but even that required minimal effort beyond mincing garlic and measuring things.

ingredients:
1 cup quinoa
2 cups vegetable broth
2 tbsp pesto
1 tomato, diced
salt and pepper to taste

directions:
Bring the quinoa and broth to a boil in a saucepan; cover, reduce heat to low, and simmer until the moisture is completely absorbed, about 15 minutes. Remove from heat; stir the pesto through the quinoa. Fold the tomato into the mixture. Season with salt and pepper to serve.

serves 4

Recipe: Quinoa with Chickpeas and Tomatoes

(picture to come soon!)

This recipe appealed to me at first because the only thing I didn't have on hand for it already was a can of chickpeas. It's delicious and I love the extra kick of flavor from the lime juice...it's unexpected in a refreshing way! Because it can be served cold, it's perfect for potlucks/picnics, too.

ingredients:
1 cup quinoa
1/8 teaspoon salt
1 3/4 cups water
1 cup canned garbanzo beans (chickpeas), drained
1 tomato, chopped
1 clove garlic, minced
3 tablespoons lime juice
4 teaspoons olive oil
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
1 pinch salt and pepper to taste

Bring the quinoa, salt, and water to a boil in a saucepan. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer until the quinoa is tender, 20 to 25 minutes.
Once done, stir in the garbanzo beans, tomatoes, garlic, lime juice, and olive oil. Season with cumin, salt, and pepper.

serves 6

(did I mention how easy this recipe is!?!?!?! I LOVE IT!!)