This dish is perfect for lunch or as a side dish to dinner. In fact, throw some protein and maybe some avocado on top and this can be a dinner in itself! This hot quinoa dish is a perfect balance of light and refreshing with a warm, cozy feeling. Perfect for the month of September! I love adding lemon to absolutely everything and this super simple dish is a great example of how great simplicity can taste! The thing I love about this recipe is that it's a great base to add plenty of veggies. I went with sautéed kale but you can add in Swiss chard, spinach, broccoli, tomatoes… literally whatever vegetables you have laying around!

Ingredients

• 1 cup dried quinoa

• 2 cups water

• About avocado oil (can substitute olive oil)

• ½ sweet onion

• 1 big handful of chopped kale (about 2 cups)

• 2 cloves garlic

• Juice and zest from 1 lemon

• 1 tsp crushed red pepper

• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Cook quinoa by combining the water and quinoa over high heat. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes until all the liquid is absorbed. Set aside.

2. In a large sautè pan, heat the avocado oil over medium-high heat. Add in the onion and cook down for 2-3 minutes. Then, add in the garlic, kale, crushed red pepper and lemon zest. Cook until kale cooks down. Turn off heat. 

3. Add the cooked quinoa into the pan along with the lemon juice. Stir until the quinoa is well coated in the lemon, and oil. Add in salt and black pepper to taste and enjoy!