Parmesan Qarlic QuiNOa

I love quinoa. It’s pretty simple really. It’s not the prettiest dish but it’s definitely one of the most versatile. Once again I found myself in a rush to feed Logan before he collapsed so I threw together…

Parmesan Garlic Quinoa

Original Recipe from Canopi

Ingredients:

1 cup quinoa, rinsed

2 cups water

1 medium white onion 

1 tablespoon olive oil

2 cloves of garlic (minced)

2 teaspoons dried basil

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes

1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese

Step 1: Rinse your quinoa in cold water. Rinse it thoroughly. Do to so you can place the quinoa in a mesh strainer.

Step 2: Heat up your olive oil in a large sauce pan and saute your onions for 4-5 minutes. Throw in your garlic for a minute, stirring so it doesn't burn.

Step 3: Add in your water and quinoa and cover the pot, bringing the water to a boil.

Step 4: Bring down to low and allow to simmer. Quinoa should take about 15 minutes to cook or so- but you'll know when there is a ring around the outside and the center is clear- plus about all of your water should be absorbed!

Step 5: Mix in your salt, basil, black & red pepper, and 1/3 cup of your cheese. If you want it a little more creamy, go ahead and add more!
Step 6: Dish it up while hot and sprinkle with pepper and cheese for garnish! 

You know how I said I love quinoa? Well, I didn’t lie – but sometimes I think people don’t love it quite like I do because this recipe was pretty much an insult to quinoa. It was originally advertised as a replacement for Mac n Cheese – lies! It pretty much tasted like I melted a crap ton of parmesan on top of some ricey noodles. Seriously?

That being said, ways I would save this recipe and try it next time would be to… Add more garlic! Lots more! I would not use as much parmesan because it’s so potent but instead do a blend of cheeses, even something as simple as mozzarella and parmesan. Then I would add a little somethin something to give it some more flavor. Such as roasted broccoli or sun dried tomatoes.

So I see potential, but the recipe as is was BLEH! Use it as a starting point and cut out back on the overbearing parmesan.

Would I Make it Again: Nope
Noming Score: 2/5