Quinoa with tomatoes

Quinoa with Tomatoes: A Simple and Flavorful Recipe

Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 30 minutes
Total time: 40 minutes
Servings: 2-3

Quinoa is a versatile and nutritious ingredient, often considered a superfood due to its rich content of proteins, fibers, and minerals. This quinoa with tomatoes recipe is not only simple but also extremely delicious, making it perfect as a side dish or as a vegetarian main course. Over time, quinoa has been appreciated by many cultures for its nutritional properties, but today we focus on how to transform it into a savory dish.

Necessary Ingredients:

- 75 g white quinoa
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2-3 tablespoons tomato and pepper broth
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (optional, for extra flavor)

Ingredient Details:

- Quinoa: Choose white quinoa, which has a slightly nutty taste and a fluffy texture once cooked. Make sure to rinse it well to remove saponins, substances that can give it a bitter taste.
- Onion: The onion adds a sweet and hearty flavor to the dish. You can also use red or green onion, depending on your preferences.
- Tomato and pepper broth: This is the ingredient that will give the dish an intense aroma and vibrant color. Make sure to use a natural broth without additives to preserve the authenticity of the taste.

Preparation Technique:

1. Rinsing the quinoa: Start by rinsing the quinoa. Place the grains in a fine sieve and rinse them under cold running water. This step is essential to remove the saponins. Rinse the quinoa in 4-5 waters until the water runs clear.

2. Boiling: In a pot, add 150 ml of water (two volumes of water for one volume of quinoa). Add the rinsed quinoa, finely chopped onion, and tomato broth. If desired, you can add olive oil for extra flavor. Bring everything to a boil.

3. Cooking: Once the water starts boiling, reduce the heat to low and cover the pot. Let the quinoa simmer for 15 minutes. It is important not to lift the lid during this time, as steam is essential for helping the quinoa to puff up.

4. Finishing cooking: After 15 minutes, turn off the heat and let the pot sit covered for another 15 minutes. This step will allow the quinoa to absorb all the remaining water and become fluffy.

5. Seasoning: After 30 minutes, uncover the pot and use a fork to fluff the quinoa. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Serving Suggestions:

Quinoa with tomatoes can be served warm, as a vegetarian main course or as a side dish alongside grilled meat or fish. To add a touch of freshness, you can sprinkle some fresh parsley or basil on top. Another idea is to serve quinoa with slices of avocado or with a fresh vegetable salad for a balanced and healthy lunch.

Possible Variations:

- Quinoa with vegetables: Add fresh or frozen vegetables (carrots, zucchini, peas) during boiling to enrich the dish.
- Quinoa with spices: Experiment with spices like cumin, paprika, or curry to give the dish a more exotic flavor.
- Quinoa with cheese: At the end, you can add crumbled feta cheese or grated parmesan for a more intense taste.

Nutritional Benefits:

Quinoa is an excellent source of protein, containing all nine essential amino acids, making it a perfect choice for vegans and vegetarians. It is also rich in fiber, B vitamins, iron, and magnesium. This quinoa with tomatoes recipe is not only nutritious but also low in calories, with approximately 150 calories per serving, depending on the added ingredients.

Frequently Asked Questions:

- Why should I rinse quinoa? Rinsing helps remove saponins, which can give the quinoa grains a bitter taste.
- Can I use whole quinoa? Yes, but the cooking time will be longer, about 20-25 minutes.
- How can I store cooked quinoa? Cooked quinoa can be stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container for 3-5 days.

Conclusion:

Quinoa with tomatoes is a quick and easy recipe, perfect for days when you don’t have much time but want to enjoy a healthy and tasty dish. Experiment with the ingredients and don’t hesitate to add your personal touch. Encourage your friends and family to join the cooking process, turning a simple meal into a pleasant and memorable experience. Enjoy your meal!