Apricot & Walnut Quinoa

Posted by theeverydaykitchen on April 14, 2012 · 4 Comments 

On one of those evenings when I was stuck pondering what to make for dinner, I made up this recipe for a savory yet slightly sweet and hearty quinoa side dish to go alongside chicken and vegetables. While the ingredients seem a bit strange as a combination, the flavor was amazing! Quinoa is a super food with lots of nutrition benefits, and it provides complete protein nine essential amino acids. And the walnuts add even more protein. You almost don’t need a meat to go with it!

A quick kitchen storage tip – if you’re worried about (or suffer from) pantry moths (the little devils!), store grains like quinoa, rice, or barley in an air-tight container with one or two bay leaves. Apparently, the moths don’t like them and the spiced leaves help keep the critters, well, at bay!

I mixed into the quinoa dried apricots, walnuts, and fresh thyme leaves – yum!

I served it up with some  balsamic glazed carrots and radishes.

Apricot and Walnut Quinoa – serves 4

Ingredients

1 c Quinoa

2 c Chicken or Vegetable Broth

1/2 c Dried Apricots, chopped

1/3 c Walnuts, chopped

1/4 c Fresh Thyme Leaves

Salt and Pepper

Olive Oil

In a saucepan over medium-high heat bring the broth to a boil. Reduce the heat and add the quinoa. Cover and simmer for about 20 minutes or until the broth is absorbed and the quinoa is plump. Fluff with a fork and add the apricots, walnuts and thyme. Season with salt and pepper to taste and drizzle with a bit of olive oil. Toss again with a spoon and serve warm.

Nutrition Information (Approximate Values): 215 Calories, 7g Fat, 4g Fiber, 6g Protein, 28g Carbohydrates

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Filed under Salads, Spring and Summer · Tagged with apricots, quinoa, thyme, vegetarian, walnuts, whole grains