Quinoa con Queso
(from aloogobi’s recipe box)
Source: Simply Recipes
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 30 minutes
Serves 4 people
Categories: Side Dish
Ingredients
- 1 cup quinoa, well rinsed
- 2 cups water
- 1 Tbsp olive oil
- 1 Tbsp butter
- 1 cup chopped onions
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- 1 large fresh tomato, cored, chopped (about 1 1/4 cups)
- 1 roasted, peeled, seeded, and chopped large green chile, either Anaheim or Poblano (optional)*
- 2 teaspoons tomato paste
- Kosher salt
- Freshly ground black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon of dried oregano (or 1/2 teaspoon fresh, finely chopped)
- 1/4 pound (4 ounces) fresh farmer's cheese, or queso fresco, cut into small cubes
- 1 cup milk
- Fresh basil, cilantro, or chives for garnish (optional)
Directions
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Put 1 cup quinoa and 2 cups of water into a medium sized pot and bring to a boil.
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Reduce to a low simmer, cover and cook for 10 minutes. Remove from heat and let sit for 10 minutes.
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While the quinoa is cooking, prepare the sauce.
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Heat olive oil and butter in a medium skillet on medium heat.
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Add the onions and cook for a couple minutes.
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Add the garlic, cook for a minute more.
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Add the chopped tomato, about 1/2 teaspoon Kosher salt, dried oregano, and tomato paste.
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Add chopped green chiles (cooked) if using.
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Sprinkle with freshly ground black pepper.
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Stir until well combined.
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Let cook until the tomatoes have cooked through and the sauce has cooked down a bit.
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Then stir in the cheese.
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Taste and add more salt or pepper if needed.
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Stir 1 cup of milk into the now cooked quinoa.
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Serve the quinoa in bowls and top with sauce.
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Garnish with chopped basil, parsley, cilantro, or chives.