Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 cup quinoa
- 2 cups water
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 yellow bell pepper, diced
- 1 orange bell pepper, diced
- 1 small red onion, diced
- 1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1/2 cup chopped fresh mint
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
Special equipment needed:
- Large pot with lid
- Mixing bowl
- Whisk
Step-by-step instructions:
1. Rinse quinoa in a fine mesh strainer and transfer to a large pot with 2 cups of water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the water is absorbed and the quinoa is tender.
2. In a mixing bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
3. Add cooked quinoa, diced bell peppers, diced red onion, chopped parsley, chopped mint, and crumbled feta cheese to the mixing bowl. Toss to combine.
4. Serve immediately or chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving.
- Time:
Preparation time: 10 minutes
- Cooking time: 20 minutes
Temperature:
- Serve chilled
Serving size:
- 6 servings
Nutritional information:
- Calories per serving: 230
- Total fat: 13g
- Total carbohydrates: 24g
- Dietary fiber: 4g
- Protein: 6g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Quinoa can be substituted with couscous or bulgur wheat.
- Bell peppers can be substituted with any other colorful vegetables such as cherry tomatoes or cucumber.
- Feta cheese can be substituted with goat cheese or blue cheese.
Variations:
- Add grilled chicken or shrimp for a protein boost.
- Add chopped walnuts or almonds for extra crunch.
- Add sliced avocado for a creamy texture.
Tips and tricks:
- Rinse quinoa thoroughly before cooking to remove any bitterness.
- Use a fork to fluff the cooked quinoa and prevent it from becoming mushy.
- Adjust the amount of lemon juice and olive oil to your taste preference.
Storage instructions:
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating instructions:
- Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until warmed through.
Presentation ideas:
- Serve in a large salad bowl or on individual plates.
- Garnish with extra chopped herbs or crumbled cheese.
Garnishes:
- Chopped herbs
- Crumbled cheese
- Sliced avocado
Pairings:
- Grilled chicken or shrimp
- Crusty bread
Suggested side dishes:
- Roasted vegetables
- Garlic bread
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the quinoa is too wet, spread it out on a baking sheet and bake in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes to dry it out.
Food safety advice:
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator within 2 hours of cooking.
- Discard any leftovers that have been left at room temperature for more than 2 hours.
Food history:
- Quinoa is a grain-like crop that originated in the Andean region of South America.
Flavor profiles:
- Fresh, tangy, and herbaceous.
Serving suggestions:
- Serve as a side dish or a light lunch.
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Region: Peruvian