Quinoa Pilaf

A good, healthy salad or side.

Quinoa Pilaf

(Giada De Laurentis modified)

3            tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil

2            large or 4 small shallots, chopped

1            small red pepper, chopped (I used yellow)

1            teaspoon ground black pepper

1 1/2      cups quinoa

1/4         cup white wine

1 1/2      cups vegetable stock

1            packed cup arugula, chopped

1/2         cup slivered almonds, toasted

1/2         chopped fresh mint  (I used basil)

1            medium cucumber, peeled, seeded and diced into 1/2 “ pieces

              zest of 1 lemon

Cook's Note: To toast the almonds, arrange in a single layer on a baking sheet. Bake in a preheated 350 degrees F oven until lightly toasted, 6 to 8 minutes. Cool completely before using.

Heat 2 tablespoons of the oil in a large saucepan or a high-sided skillet over medium-high heat. Add the shallots and cook until soft, about 2 minutes. Add the bell pepper, salt and pepper. Cook until the vegetables are tender, 5 minutes. Make a space in the center of the vegetables and add the remaining 1 tablespoon of oil. Add the quinoa and cook, stirring constantly, until coated with oil, about 2 minutes. Add the wine and cook until all of the liquid has evaporated, about 2 minutes. Add the broth and bring to a boil. Cover the pan and simmer until all of the broth has been absorbed and the quinoa is tender, about 15 minutes. Keep covered and let sit for 10 minutes. Add the arugula, almonds, mint, cucumber and lemon zest and toss well. Season with salt and pepper.