Recipe Details:
- Cuisine: Continental
- Course: Main Course
- Diet: Vegetarian
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Servings: 4
- Difficulty Level: Easy
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Quinoa | 1-1/2 cups |
| Garlic (finely chopped) | 6 cloves |
| Onion (finely chopped) | 1 medium |
| Red Chilli Flakes | 1 teaspoon |
| Mixed Herbs (Dried) | 1-1/2 tablespoons |
| Extra Virgin Olive Oil | 1 teaspoon |
| Salt | To taste |
| Butter (Salted) | 1 tablespoon |
| Lemon Juice | 1 teaspoon |
Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 220 kcal |
| Protein | 6g |
| Carbohydrates | 32g |
| Fiber | 5g |
| Fat | 9g |
| Saturated Fat | 3g |
| Sodium | 360mg |
| Sugar | 1g |
Instructions:
-
Prepare Quinoa:
- Begin by thoroughly washing the quinoa under cold water. Drain well and set it aside for later use.
-
Saute Aromatics:
- In a pressure cooker, heat the extra virgin olive oil and butter over medium flame. Once the oil and butter are hot, add the finely chopped garlic and sauté for about a minute until it turns golden brown. The aroma will fill your kitchen, signaling it’s time for the next step.
-
Cook the Onions:
- Add the finely chopped onion to the pressure cooker. Cook the onions, stirring occasionally, until they become soft and translucent, about 2–3 minutes.
-
Season the Dish:
- Reduce the heat slightly and add the salt, mixed herbs, and red chilli flakes to the cooker. Stir everything together to combine the flavors.
-
Cook the Quinoa:
- Now, add the washed and drained quinoa to the cooker. Stir it into the mixture, ensuring that the quinoa gets coated with the herby, garlicky butter mixture.
- Pour in 3 cups of water and give everything one final stir. Close the lid of the pressure cooker, and cook for 2 whistles on medium heat.
-
Release the Pressure:
- Once the cooking is complete, turn off the heat and allow the pressure to release naturally. This should take about 5 minutes. Avoid opening the cooker immediately to ensure the quinoa cooks properly.
-
Finishing Touches:
- Once the pressure has been released, open the cooker and fluff the quinoa with a fork. Transfer the Herbed Butter Garlic Quinoa into a serving platter.
- Drizzle the dish with lemon juice for a fresh tang and sprinkle some extra mixed herbs for garnish. For an indulgent touch, add a dollop of butter on top before serving.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve this Herbed Butter Garlic Quinoa as a side dish or a main course for a vegetarian meal.
- For a balanced meal, pair it with Roasted Chicken Curry in Spinach Parmesan Sauce, Spinach Ricotta Balls in Garlic Tomato Basil Sauce, or a light Delicious Avocado Salad with Vegetables.
- Round off the meal with a sweet finish like Greek Yogurt Chocolate Mousse for an irresistible dessert.
Enjoy this Herbed Butter Garlic Quinoa as part of a wholesome meal! Its flavorful combination of butter, garlic, and herbs makes it the perfect addition to any Continental dinner spread. Whether you’re serving it as a side or the main dish, it’s sure to impress.
