Sometimes ruts are good. This recipe continues what I guess can be called a small series of recipes that involve Roasted Vegetables as well as the theme of 2 recipes in 1. Today we will be adding Roasted Vegetables to Quinoa & Lentils.
Quinoa has been getting a lot of publicity over the past 1-2 years as a very nutritious food choice. This new found fame is great except for the fact that the increase in demand has caused prices to increase 50-100% over about the same time period. It seems like Quinoa is usually selling for $3.50 to $5 a pound.
Quinoa can be used in dishes the way rice is used. It is quite versatile. For this recipe I used French Green Lentils since they have the same cook time as the Quinoa I was using.
One more VERY important thing to know about Quinoa. Be sure that you RINSE it before you use it. Even when the package states it is pre-washed, I still rinse it in a strainer just to be sure. Quinoa that is not rinsed before cooking has a less than appetizing flavor.
Enough with the housekeeping, today 'this monkey' will show you how to make a tasty & nutritious Quinoa with Lentils & Roasted Vegetables. Let's get started!
WHAT YOU NEED:
1 1/2 c Quinoa - rinsed
1/2 c French Green Lentils
4 c Chicken/Vegetable Broth/Water (whatever makes you happy!)
2-3 Sweet Potatoes - rinsed, dried, & cut into 3/4 inch pieces
Cloves from 1 or 2 Head of Garlic - peeled
1/2 Purple Onion - cut into 3/4 inch pieces
1/4 c Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Kosher Salt to Taste
Crushed Walnuts (optional)
Shredded Cheese - I used Stella Fontinella
Sliced Avocado (optional)
Kosher Salt to Taste
Freshly Ground Black Pepper
WHAT ELSE YOU NEED:
Mesh Strainer
2 Quart Pot or very Large Shallow Pan
Chef's Knife & Cutting Board
Roasting Pan or Cookie Sheet
Large Bowl
WHAT YOU DO:
1. Add the Broth to the Pot & bring to a boil. Also Pre Heat Oven to 400 deg & start prepping the Vegetables. Make sure the Lentils & Quinoa are ready to go as well.
2. In batches, add your cut Vegetables & Whole Garlic Cloves, Drizzle with Olive Oil & Sprinkle with Kosher Salt, then shake or stir until well coated.
3. Add the Quinoa & Lentils to the boiling Broth; Stir, Reduce heat to low & Simmer covered for 20-30 min.
4. Add the Garlic Cloves & cut Vegetables to the Roasting Pan. Roast in Oven for about 20-30 min until thoroughly Roasted. (Be sure to remove & stir one time during the Roasting)
Pre Roasting |
Post Roasting |
5. Once the Quinoa & Lentils are to the point where there is just a VERY small amount of liquid in the bottom of the pan, remove the Pot from the heat. Cover the Pot with a clean Dish Towel, then Place the lid on top of the Towel & Pot. Let sit for 10 minutes. Then fluff the Quinoa & Lentils together.
6. Take a generous scoop of the Quinoa & Lentils, then top with a generous scoop of the Roasted Vegetables.
7. You can serve it as is, but I think it can be a bit bland at this point. A sprinkling of Cheese, Nuts, Salt, Pepper etc really add to this dish. And remember the Avocado!
And there you have it, Quinoa with Lentils & Roasted Vegetables!
Until next time, your favorite neighborweb monkey!