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Swiss Chard With Toasted Quinoa

Swiss Chard With Toasted Quinoa

As you’ll find with this hearty side dish, toasting quinoa in a saucepan before simmering it in water brings out its nutty flavor. The high-protein whole grain is also a good source of fiber, providing 5 grams per cooked cup. For an even more colorful dish (and an antioxidant boost), use rainbow Swiss chard, which has yellow, orange, pink, and red stalks.
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 6
Course: Vegan Recipes
Cuisine: American
Calories: 183
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
  • 1 cup quinoa rinsed
  • 3 cups water
  • ½ red onion chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 6 cups Swiss chard leaves about ½ pound, chiffonade (thin strips made by laying the leaves
  • together rolling like a cigar, and slicing crosswise)
  • 1 large tomato diced
  • ½ teaspoon red-pepper flakes
  • 1/3 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • Salt and ground black pepper

Method
 

  1. Heat 1 tablespoon of the oil in a medium saucepan over medium-high heat.
  2. Add the quinoa and toast, stirring occasionally, for 4 minutes. Add the water, reduce the heat to low, and simmer for 15 minutes, or until the quinoa is tender. Drain off any remaining water.
  3. Meanwhile, add the remaining 1 tablespoon oil to a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic and cook, stirring frequently, for 5 minutes, or until the onion softens.
  4. Add the Swiss chard and cook, stirring frequently, for 4 minutes, or until wilted. Add the tomato and cook until heated through.
  5. Fold in the quinoa, stirring well to combine. Add the pepper flakes and cheese. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Stir again. Let stand for 3 to 5 minutes to blend the flavors.