Quinoa Pilaf with Spinach, Apples and Walnuts

Quinoa Pilaf with Spinach, Apples and Walnuts

(Adapted from internationalvegan.org recipe)

Ingredients:

• 1-1/2 cups of uncooked quinoa
• 3 cups vegetable broth
• Salt as desired
• ½ sweet onion chopped
• ½ cup walnut pieces or chopped walnuts
• 10 oz fresh baby spinach
• 1 medium or large apple, diced
• Ground black pepper to taste
• Small amount of water or vegetable broth to ‘saute” onion

Directions:

1. Bring the 3 cups of vegetable broth to a boil in a saucepan
2. While waiting on the broth, rinse quinoa well to remove the coating. Drain and set aside.
3. Once broth comes to a boil, decrease heat to low, add salt as desired, and stir in rinsed quinoa.
4. Cover and simmer until all the water has been absorbed, about 15 minutes, then remove from heat (keeping covered).
5. While the quinoa is cooking, use some water or vegetable broth to cook the walnuts and onions until fragrant, about 2 to 3 minutes.
6. Add the spinach and season to taste with salt and pepper.
7. Cover and cook until wilted, about 3 to 5 minutes.
8. Add the dices apple and cook for 5 more minutes.
9. Stir in the cooked quinoa and taste.
10. Adjust seasonings, as needed, then serve.

Option: – Drizzle with flavored balsamic vinegar