Description
Indulge in the versatility of quinoa with this recipe for the best pearl barley substitute. Offering a gluten-free alternative without compromising on texture or taste, quinoa pairs perfectly with a variety of flavors and dishes. Elevate your meals with this nutritious and satisfying grain that’s sure to become a staple in your kitchen.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup quinoa
- 2 cups vegetable or chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: fresh herbs, such as parsley or thyme
Instructions
- Rinse Quinoa: Rinse the quinoa under cold water using a fine-mesh strainer to remove any bitterness.
- Toast Quinoa: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, and sauté until translucent and fragrant, about 2-3 minutes.
- Add Quinoa: Add the rinsed quinoa to the skillet and toast for 1-2 minutes, stirring occasionally, until lightly golden.
- Cook Quinoa: Pour in the vegetable or chicken broth and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the quinoa is tender and the liquid is absorbed.
- Season: Season the cooked quinoa with salt and pepper to taste. Stir in fresh herbs if desired.
Notes
- Rinse the quinoa before cooking to remove any bitterness.
- Adjust the cooking time and liquid ratio based on the specific type of quinoa used.
- Feel free to customize the recipe by adding herbs, spices, or vegetables for added flavor and variety.
- Quinoa can be cooked in advance and stored in the refrigerator for quick and easy meal prep.
- Experiment with different broth flavors for a unique twist on the recipe.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Side dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: International
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/2 cup cooked quinoa
- Calories: 220 per serving
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 0
- Unsaturated Fat: 0
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: pearl barley substitute