Ingredients

1 1/2 cups water
1 cup quinoa , picked and rinsed well ( the red kind is prettier , but either the red or the white is fine )
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 medium red onion , finely chopped
1/2 teaspoon turmeric
1/4 teaspoon ground coriander
1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
1/4 teaspoon garam masala
1 tablespoon pine nuts
2 tablespoons chopped dried cherries
kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
1 grapefruit , zested , plus 2 tablespoons juice
1 head boston lettuce , leaves separated
Quinoa Pilaf in Lettuce Cups is a delicious and healthy recipe that's perfect for summer. Quinoa is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes, and it's especially tasty when paired with sweet and tangy flavors like those in this recipe. The lettuce cups give the dish a light and refreshing quality, and the pine nuts and cherries add a nice crunch. This recipe is vegan and gluten-free, making it a great option for those with special dietary needs.

Instructions

1.In a saucepan, add water and quinoa, bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low and let simmer for 12-15 minutes, or until the water is absorbed and the quinoa is cooked.
2.Meanwhile, in a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat and sauté red onion until softened.
3.Add turmeric, coriander, ginger, and garam masala to the skillet, stirring constantly, for 1-2 minutes or until fragrant.
4.Add pine nuts and cherries to the skillet and cook until the pine nuts are toasted and the cherries are softened, about 1-2 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.
5.In a separate bowl, whisk together grapefruit zest and juice. Add the mixture to the skillet and stir for another minute, or until the flavors are well combined.
6.To serve, place a leaf of Boston lettuce on a plate and spoon in some quinoa pilaf. Top with more pine nuts, cherries, and grapefruit zest.

PROS

This recipe is full of healthy ingredients like quinoa, olive oil, pine nuts, and cherries.

The lettuce cups make it a light and refreshing option for summer.

It’s a vegan and gluten-free recipe that can be enjoyed by everyone.

CONS

Some people might not enjoy the texture of quinoa, although the cherries and pine nuts add a nice crunch to the recipe.

HEALTH & BENEFITS

Quinoa is a superfood that’s packed with protein, fiber, and essential nutrients like magnesium and iron.
Olive oil is a heart-healthy fat that can help reduce inflammation.
Pine nuts are a great source of vitamin E and other antioxidants, which may help to reduce the risk of chronic diseases.
Cherries are rich in fiber and vitamin C, and may help to reduce inflammation and cholesterol levels.

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