Cheesy Quinoa Pilaf with Spinach

By á-48473

Ingredients

• 1 cup quinoa
• 3/4 cup olive oil
• 1/2 cup raw sunflower seeds
• 8 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups fresh spinach leaves
• 2 tablespoons and 2 teaspoons lemon juice
• 1-1/3 cups grated gouda cheese

Preparation

Step 1

Bring a pot of lightly salted water to a boil over high heat. Add the quinoa, and cook until the quinoa is tender, 15 to 20 minutes. Drain in a mesh strainer, and rinse until cold; set aside.

Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat, stir in the sunflower seeds, and cook until lightly toasted, about 2 minutes. Stir in the garlic, and cook until the garlic softens and the aroma mellows, about 2 minutes. Stir in the cooled quinoa and spinach; cook and stir until the quinoa is hot, and the spinach has wilted. Stir in the lemon juice, and all but a pinch of the cheese. Stir until the cheese has melted. Serve sprinkled with the remaining cheese.