Tomato Basil Quinoa

Tomato Basil Quinoa

This recipe came to mind as i was staring at the bowl of fresh tomatoes in my kitchen that would quickly go to waste if i didn't eat them soon. It's ironic how much i like tomatoes now considering I HATED them growing up. Ever since my cousin tricked me into eating a cherry tomato as a kid, telling me it was an odd colored grape, I took me a while to entertain the idea of liking them again...but needless to say I got over that. 

Ah aren't those just beautiful! I got a little picture happy with them. 

Since I already got my first encounter with quinoa under my belt, this cooking experience went a lot smoother than Cheesy Quinoa recipe. I finally got to use my new STRAINER! and the quinoa did not have that bitter taste like it did in the last one. This dish reminded me of a healthier version of spaghetti with marinara sauce. It's healthy and super easy to make (as long as you're comfortable with cooking quinoa). The recipe can be varied as well, grilled chicken or other veggies being good add-ins. 

Bona petite! 

Tomato-Basil Quinoa

• 2 tsp olive oil
• 1/2 yellow onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 8 oz. can tomato sauce
• 1 cup water
• 1 cup quinoa, rinsed and drained
• 2/3 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
• 1-2 tomatoes, cored, seeded, and diced
• 2 Tbs chopped fresh basil

Heat the olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat.  Add the onion and cook, stirring frequently, until softened, about 5 minutes.  Add the garlic and cook, stirring constantly, until fragrant, about one minute.  Season with salt and pepper.

Add the tomato sauce and water to the saucepan and stir in the quinoa.  Bring to a boil, stirring occasionally.  Reduce the heat, cover, and cook until the quinoa is tender but still chewy, and white spiral-like threads appear around each grain, about 15 minutes.

Remove from heat and allow to sit about 5 minutes.  Stir in the Parmesan cheese, tomatoes, and basil, and season with salt and pepper if necessary.  Serve.

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