Mexican Quinoa

As a healthier alternative to Mexican or Spanish rice, this version uses gluten-free quinoa instead of rice for its additional protein and fiber and great taste. However, it still has all the great flavor and spices of your usual Mexican or Spanish rice dish.

• Preparation Time: 20 mins
• Cooking Time: 20 mins
• Total Time: 40 mins
• Calories: 244 Calories

Ingredients

• ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 jalapeno pepper, seeded and chopped (Optional)
• 1 (10 ounce) can diced tomatoes with green chile peppers (such as RO*TEL®)
• 1 cup quinoa, rinsed
• 1 envelope gluten-free taco seasoning mix

Recipe Instructions

Step 1

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat; cook and stir quinoa and onion in the hot oil until onion is translucent, about 5 minutes. Add garlic and jalapeno pepper to quinoa mixture and cook until garlic is fragrant and slightly softened, 1 or 2 more minutes.

Step 2

Mix undrained can of diced tomatoes with green chiles, taco seasoning mix, and chicken broth into quinoa mixture. Bring to a boil, reduce heat to medium-low, and simmer until liquid has been absorbed, 15 to 20 minutes. Stir in cilantro.