Quinoa Pilaf

If you haven't tried Quinoa yet, you should. It is one of the most nutritious grains you can eat and it cooks up faster than rice! You can substitute it in many of your rice dishes or try this delicious recipe. You can find Quinoa at your local health food store: Trader Joe's, Sprouts, Whole Foods, Good Earth.....

Quinoa Pilaf

½ cup quinoa

1 T olive oil

1 small onion, chopped

1 clove garlic, chopped

½ cup sliced mushrooms (optional)

1 large carrot, shredded

½ t coriander

¼ t salt (optional)

Dash cayenne pepper (optional)

1 to 2 vegetable broth cubes (poultry seasoning)

Rinse quinoa thoroughly in a fine strainer. Put rinsed quinoa into a small frying pan over medium heat. Cook, stirring or shaking occasionally until quinoa dries and turns golden brown, about 5 minutes. Let cool. Heat olive oil in a medium skillet. Add onion, garlic, and mushrooms. Saute until liquid from the mushrooms is cooked away. Add carrot, coriander, salt, cayenne pepper, and vegetable bouillon.

Add 1 cup of water and browned quinoa. Stir to mix, and cook, covered, for about 15 minutes, or until water is absorbed and quinoa is done. Remove lid and let stand for a few minutes, then stir with a fork to separate grains.