Lemon-Pepper Quinoa Delight

A light and flavorful dish featuring fluffy quinoa enhanced with tangy lemon and a hint of pepper, perfect for a quick and satisfying meal.

⏱️ Cooking Time: 20 minutes | 🍽️ Servings: 1

Instructions

1. 1.
   Rinse the quinoa thoroughly under cold water using a fine mesh strainer. This step is important to remove the natural saponin coating that can make the quinoa taste bitter. Allow the water to drain completely before cooking.
2. 2.
   In a small saucepan, combine the rinsed quinoa and vegetable broth. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat. Once it starts boiling, reduce the heat to low and cover the saucepan with a lid. Let it simmer until the quinoa absorbs all the liquid, about 15 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the grains appear translucent and the outer germ spirals out.
3. 3.
   While the quinoa is cooking, heat the olive oil in a small skillet over medium heat. When the oil is hot, add the freshly squeezed lemon juice and black pepper, stirring to combine. Cook for 1-2 minutes until the mixture becomes fragrant, ensuring the flavors meld nicely. Be mindful not to let the ingredients burn; adjust the heat as needed.
4. 4.
   Once the quinoa is cooked, remove it from the heat and let it sit, covered, for an additional 5 minutes to ensure a fluffy texture. Then, fluff it with a fork to separate the grains.
5. 5.
   Transfer the quinoa to a bowl and drizzle the lemon-pepper oil mixture over it. Toss gently to coat the quinoa evenly. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary by adding more lemon juice or pepper. Serve warm and enjoy. If the quinoa appears too dry, a small splash of vegetable broth can be added and stirred in for moisture.