Random Thursday: Favourite Easy Recipes...

 

Yup, time for another awesomely random topic brought to you by yours truly along with Lin and Meg. I warn ya, it's a li'l domestic:

I'm not a huge cook, so you're just getting one. And I promise, super easy. It's actually a recipe I stole from Rachael Ray Magazine, and you can find the original here. The recipe is for Herbed Quinoa - but what I like about it is it's really easy to customize. Without embellishments, the original is great as a side instead of rice, or even on its own. This is what the original looks like:

Required ingredients:   
    1.5 cups dry quinoa
    3 Tbsp virgin olive oil
    1/2 c. fresh basil and cilantro, chopped (it has to be fresh, not dried)
    1/4 tsp salt (or to taste)
    1/4 tsp pepper (or to taste)

Optional:
    1 juicy tomato, chopped
    1/2 orange or yellow pepper, chopped
    1/2 cup parmesan or feta cheese (grated for the former, cubed for the latter)
    1/4 cup red onion, finely diced

How to make it:

1. Cook about 1 and a half cups of dry quinoa  by bringing about 2 and a half cups of water to the boil, add quinoa, reduce heat and cover pan. Simmer for 15 minutes until water is absorbed. 
2. Let the quinoa cool. It can even be prepared as much as a day in advance.
3. Add oil, salt, pepper, herbs, vegetables and cheese. Stir until evenly mixed and allow to sit until flavours are melded. 

Unfortunately I don't have a pic for you because I don't have all the ingredients in stock and forgot this was happening this week... but make it and see!

TA-DA! Super easy an healthy summer salad. 

What do you like to cook? Or, you know, manage to cook without taking out your block? Share, share, share!