This recipe is exactly the kind of simple real food that I strive to make in my kitchen each week.Cilantro Lime Quinoa is a simple side dish that’s made with only seven basic, yet incredibly nourishing, ingredients: quinoa, chicken or vegetable broth, fresh cilantro, butter, garlic, shallot, and lime juice. Oh, and a pinch of salt or two. That’s it!
Rinse the quinoa in a fine mesh sieve under water. This is optional. I believe it helps take away the bitterness of the quinoa. Set aside.
In a saucepan, over medium-high heat, melt the butter. Once melted, add the shallots, and sauté for 2 minutes. Then add the minced garlic and sauté just until fragrant, about 1 minute. Stir in the rinsed quinoa. Add the broth, and stir again. Bring the broth to a boil, then cover the pan with a lid, and reduce to a lively simmer. Cook the quinoa, covered, for 15-20 minutes, until it's fluffy and the liquid has been fully absorbed.
Once the quinoa is fluffy, remove the quinoa from the heat, and stir in the cilantro, lime juice, and salt (to taste). Serve warm.