QUINOA W/ TOMATOES CUCUMBERS & FRESH HERBS - How to make QUINOA Recipe

Quinoa is becoming so popular that well known restaurants (Applebee's) are adding it to their menu!! It's considered a whole grain...although it is a seed high in protein, gluten & cholesterol-free, has all 9 essential amino acids and is almost always organic!! A perfectly healthy side dish for any grilled, baked, broiled or fried chicken, salmon, pork or steak entrees!! A favorite way to make QUINOA "GIVE IT A GO" your taste buds & health will thank you!! Click on "SHOW MORE" below for recipe....

QUINOA W/ TOMATOES CUCUMBERS & FRESH HERBS Recipe

3 cups low-sodium chicken broth, water or vegetable broth may be used in place of chicken broth

• Kosher salt & fresh cracked black pepper to taste
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
• 1/2 cup flat leaf parsley, chopped
• 2 large lemons
• 2 cups tomatoes, seeded & diced
• 1/4 cup green onions, white & green parts, thinly sliced
• 1 1/2 cups QUINOA, rinsed in fine mesh sieve under cool running water, drained
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1 1/2 cups English cucumbers, seeded & diced

1. In 4-quart sauce pan, over high-heat, bring chicken broth & 1/2 teaspoon salt to a boil. Add rinsed quinoa. Stir once. Turn heat down to low. Cover pan with tight fitting lid. Cook 15-20 minutes or until water has absorbed and the grains are tender. Fluff with fork and transfer to a large bowl to cool.
2. Meanwhile...to make dressing. In medium bowl. Finely grate the zest from one lemon, then half both lemons and squeeze enough lemon juice to equal 5-6 tablespoons. Add to zest. Whisk in garlic, sugar, salt & pepper to taste (about 1/4 teaspoon of each). Continue whisking while slowly adding olive oil. Set aside.
3. Toss diced tomatoes with 1/4 teaspoon of salt in small bowl until they begin to release their juices, about 5 minutes. Drain in sieve over medium bowl.
4. Toss cucumbers & green onions with 2-4 tablespoons of prepared lemon dressing. Marinate for 5 minutes. Drain over tomatoes in sieve.
5. Add tomatoes, cucumber, parsley and remaining lemon dressing into cooled quinoa. Toss well with two forks. Taste, adjust seasonings if needed, and serve.

TIPS: Store quinoa in airtight container, in refrigerator, up to 1 day.