Grains and Rice
Quinoa Risotto with Arugula and Parmesan
1 tablespoon olive oil
1/2 yellow onion, chopped
1 garlic clove, minced
1 cup quinoa, well rinsed
2 1/4 cups vegetable stock or broth
2 cups chopped, stemmed arugula (rocket)
1 small carrot, peeled and finely shredded
1/2 cup thinly sliced fresh shiitake mushrooms
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Directions
In a large saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion and saute until soft and translucent, about 4 minutes. Add the garlic and quinoa and cook for about 1 minute, stirring occasionally. Don't let the garlic brown.
Add the stock and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to low and simmer until the quinoa is almost tender to the bite but slightly hard in the center, about 12 minutes. The mixture will be brothy. Stir in the arugula, carrot and mushrooms and simmer until the quinoa grains have turned from white to translucent, about 2 minutes longer.
Stir in the cheese and season with the salt and pepper. Serve immediately.
Brown Rice Pilaf with Asparagus and Mushrooms
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 cup brown rice
3 cups water
1 teaspoon low-sodium chicken-flavored bouillon granules
1 small onion, chopped
1/2 pound fresh mushrooms, thinly sliced
1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/2 pound asparagus tips
2 tablespoons finely grated Swiss cheese
1/2 cup fresh parsley, chopped
In a large saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the rice and saute until it begins to toast. Grains will begin to turn golden brown. Slowly, add the water, bouillon granules, onion, mushrooms and nutmeg. Bring mixture to a boil, reduce heat, cover and simmer for 30 minutes. Add water as needed to keep the mixture from drying out.
Cut asparagus into 1-inch pieces, discarding the woody stems. Stir asparagus into the rice mixture, cover and cook another 5 minutes. Stir in the grated cheese and garnish generously with parsley. Serve immediately.