Quinoa with Pine Nuts and Raisins

I wanted to try a more basic recipe with quinoa, since I've been told I need to get more protein in my diet.  I've tried this really great recipe for quinoa 'mac' 'n cheese, but I wanted to experiment a little bit.  For those who have never tried quinoa, it's a seed that can be used much like rice.  It cooks in liquid the way rice does and although more round and nutty, it can be used in similar applications.  This was a pretty simple recipe, I hope you all give it a try!

Quinoa with Pine Nuts and Raisins

1 cup dry quinoa
1 3/4 cup fat free low sodium chicken broth
1/2 large white onion, chopped
2 T. olive oil
1 clove garlic, minced
1/4 cup raisins
1/2 cup pine nuts

Toast quinoa over medium heat in saucepan for 3 minutes.  Add chicken broth and bring to a boil.  Lower heat and simmer, covered, 12-15 minutes or until tender and liquid is absorbed (this will work very much the way rice does).  Remove from heat and let sit for 5 minutes, covered.  While quinoa is cooking, toast pine nuts over medium heat in skillet for a few minutes - watch these carefully!  They burn easily!  Pour into a bowl and set aside.  In same skillet, add olive oil and onions.  Cook onions for 5 minutes, then add garlic and finish cooking until onions are translucent.  Once quinoa is finished cooking, add onions, pine nuts and raisins and stir to combine.  Fluff with fork and serve immediately.

Hope you enjoy this rice alternative!