Quinoa Stir Fry With Spinach & Walnuts

Pappy068's Note:

Found this in Prevention Magazine, this is easy, healthy and most importantly...very tasty. You can substitute any cheese for the Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese. I recommend a strong hard cheese, but I have used all kinds and they all work. When I’m in a rush, I leave out the walnut pieces. A great side dish or when I am really lazy, add some cooked chicken for a great meal.

• Total Time: 40 mins
• Prep Time: 10 mins
• Cook Time: 30 mins

Ingredients:

Servings: 4

• 1 cup quinoa (measured dry)
• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 1/2 teaspoon minced garlic clove
• 1/2 cup walnut pieces
• baby spinach leaves
• 1 cup grape tomatoes or 1 cup cherry tomatoes
• 1/2 cup parmigiano-reggiano cheese, grated
• fresh basil leaf (to garnish) (optional)

Directions:

1. Place quinoa in small bowl, add water to cover, and swish to rinse. Pour into mesh strainer and drain well.
2. Heat oil in medium skillet. Add quinoa. Toast, stirring, over medium heat until golden (about 10 minutes) Add garlic and cook for 1 minute. Add salt and 2 cups of water. Heat to boil. Cover and cook over medium-low heat until water is absorbed, about 15 minutes.
3. Spread walnuts in small skillet and stir over medium-low heat until toasted, about 5 minutes. Set aside.
4. When quinoa is cooked, add spinach and tomatoes to skillet. Stir fry over medium heat until spinach is almost wilted and tomatoes are warmed, about 1 minute. Stir in walnuts and cheese. Garnish with basil. Serve warm.

Reviews

[cartertimesfive]

Not seeing it mentioned by anyone else, but I soaked my quinoa for about 18 hours before use (1 cup quinoa to 3 cups water & 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar for better assimilation of nutrients) and per other reviewer's recommendations, I used 4 times the minced garlic & added in diced onions & mushrooms when I put the garlic in. Used 2.5 cups of spinach & could have used another cup or two I think without it being too much. It was *fantastic* we absolutely loved it! This was my first try with quinoa & I think this recipe will become a staple- my picky DH really liked it, as did I & our 2 yr old. Our 5 yr old twins were harder to convince, but once they gave it a try they did like it as well. Thanks for sharing this great recipe!

[TallaMarie]

Love. It. This has become one of my regular go to recipes. I usually use a bit more garlic and include onions. Thanks for sharing!

[Peachie Keene]

Before today I had only tried quinoa with fruit - I was never very impressed. This recipe was the perfect combination of flavors... A definite must try if you are quinoa shy. The tomatoes and baby spinach give it a delicate sweet flavor and the cheese a mild salty flavor. Toasting the walnuts in advance enhance their nuttiness and make this recipe... well... perfect!