Lemon Scented Quinoa Food

LEMON-SCENTED QUINOA

Steps:

• Wash quinoa in 3 changes of cold water in a bowl, draining in a sieve each time.
• Cook quinoa in a medium pot of boiling salted water (1 tablespoon salt for 2 quarts water), uncovered, until almost tender, about 15 minutes. Drain in sieve, then set sieve over same pot above 1 inch of simmering water (water should not touch bottom of sieve). Cover quinoa with a folded kitchen towel, then cover sieve with a lid (don't worry if lid doesn't fit tightly) and steam over simmering water until tender, fluffy, and dry, about 10 minutes. Remove pot from heat and remove lid. Let stand, still covered with towel, 5 minutes.
• Transfer quinoa to a bowl and stir in oil, zest, lemon juice, and 1/4 teaspoon salt.

GARDEN VEGETABLES WITH LEMON-SCENTED QUINOA

Steps:

• Make quinoa as directed on package, using water and salt. Remove from heat; stir in lemon peel and lemon juice. Cover to keep warm.
• Meanwhile, cook garden vegetable medley as directed on bag.
• In 10-inch skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add bell pepper and onion. Cook 3 to 5 minutes, stirring frequently, until vegetables are crisp-tender. Stir in cooked garden vegetable medley. Spoon quinoa mixture onto serving platter; top with vegetable mixture.

LEMONY QUINOA

Steps:

• Toast the pine nuts briefly in a dry skillet over medium heat. This will take about 5 minutes, and stir constantly as they will burn easily. Set aside to cool.
• In a saucepan, combine the quinoa, water and salt. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to medium and cook until quinoa is tender and water has been absorbed, about 10 minutes. Cool slightly, then fluff with a fork.
• Transfer the quinoa to a serving bowl and stir in the pine nuts, lemon juice, celery, onion, cayenne pepper, cumin and parsley. Adjust salt and pepper if needed before serving.

LEMON HERB QUINOA

Steps:

• Place the quinoa in a large bowl.
• Fill with cold water.
• Drain into a strainer and repeat the rinsing and draining 4 more times.
• Over medium-high heat, heat the oil in a 2-quart saucepan.
• Add the rinsed quinoa and cook, stirring, until the quinoa makes cracking and popping noises, about 3 to 5 minutes.
• Stir in the water, marjoram, thyme, and rosemary.
• Bring to a boil, reduce the heat, and simmer, covered, 15 minutes.
• Stir in the parsley, lemon juice, salt, lemon rind, and pepper.
• Simmer, covered, 5 minutes longer.
• Fluff with a fork.