Prepare to transform your ordinary side dish into a culinary masterpiece that will have your taste buds dancing! This Green Onion and Dill Quinoa is not just another boring grain recipe - it's a vibrant, herb-packed sensation that brings restaurant-quality flavor right to your dinner table. With its delicate balance of fresh herbs and perfectly cooked quinoa, this dish is about to become your new go-to recipe that impresses both family and guests with minimal effort.
Prep Time: 5 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 20 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup quinoa
- 2 cups water
- 1/4 cup green onions, chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh dill, chopped
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Rinse the quinoa thoroughly under cold running water using a fine-mesh strainer to remove any bitter coating (saponin).
- In a medium saucepan, combine the rinsed quinoa with 2 cups of water. Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat.
- Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pan with a tight-fitting lid, and simmer for 12-15 minutes, or until the water is completely absorbed and quinoa is fluffy.
- Remove the quinoa from heat and let it sit, covered, for an additional 5 minutes to allow the grains to steam and become tender.
- Fluff the quinoa gently with a fork to separate the grains.
- Add olive oil, chopped green onions, and fresh dill to the quinoa. Gently fold the herbs into the warm quinoa to distribute evenly.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste, stirring to ensure even seasoning.
- Transfer to a serving bowl and garnish with additional fresh dill and green onions if desired.
- Serve warm as a side dish or allow to cool to room temperature for a refreshing quinoa salad.
Tips
- Always rinse quinoa thoroughly to remove the natural saponin coating, which can make the grain taste bitter.
- Use a 2:1 water to quinoa ratio for perfectly fluffy grains.
- Let the quinoa rest after cooking - this steaming step is crucial for achieving a light, tender texture.
- For extra flavor, consider toasting the quinoa in a dry pan for 1-2 minutes before adding water.
- Fresh herbs are key - chop them just before adding to maintain maximum flavor and aroma.
- Feel free to customize with additional herbs like parsley or chives for variety.
- This recipe is incredibly versatile - serve it warm as a side dish or cold as a refreshing salad.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 180kcal
Carbohydrates: 30g
Protein: 6g
Fat: 6g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Cholesterol: 0mg
