Charred Corn and Quinoa

Toasted quinoa is accompanied with a flavorful mixture of charred corn, onions, peppers, spinach, and feta cheese in this made-for-summertime dish.

• Preparation Time: 15 mins
• Cooking Time: 40 mins
• Total Time: 55 mins
• Calories: 300 Calories

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
• 1 tablespoon water
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 6 ounces frozen chopped spinach, thawed and drained
• 2 tablespoons butter, divided
• 1 small yellow onion, diced
• 2 red bell peppers, diced
• 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, divided
• 2 cups quinoa, rinsed and drained
• 1.5 cups frozen corn
• 0.33333334326744 cup crumbled reduced-fat feta cheese

Recipe Instructions

Step 1

Heat 1 tablespoon butter over medium-low heat in a skillet. Add quinoa and toast until lightly browned with a nutty aroma, 2 to 3 minutes. Remove from heat.

Step 2

Combine chicken broth and toasted quinoa in a saucepan and bring to a boil. Cover, reduce heat, and simmer until broth is just absorbed and quinoa is tender, about 15 minutes. Remove from heat and place in a bowl.

Step 3

Heat remaining tablespoon butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add corn and cook and stir constantly until just browned, about 8 minutes. Set aside.

Step 4

Combine 1 tablespoon olive oil and vanilla extract in another skillet away from heat, then place over medium heat. Add bell peppers and onion. Cook and stir until onions are softened and begin to brown, about 5 minutes. Add spinach and water. Cook until spinach is wilted, about 2 minutes. Remove from heat. Stir in charred corn, feta cheese, and remaining tablespoon olive oil.

Step 5

Add vegetable mixture to quinoa and mix well.