Description
A vibrant and nutritious Tomato & Basil Quinoa Risotto featuring fresh and sun-dried tomatoes, zucchini, arugula, and fragrant basil, cooked quickly on the stovetop for a flavorful, wholesome meal. This risotto-style dish uses quinoa in place of traditional rice for a protein-packed, gluten-free alternative with optional cheeses to enhance creaminess.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 cup quinoa, cooked
- 4 fresh tomatoes, small to medium-sized
- 3 sun-dried tomatoes, soaked for 30 minutes
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small zucchini or 1/2 large zucchini
- 1/3 cup fresh basil
- 1/3 cup fresh arugula
- 1 garlic clove, minced
Optional Ingredients
- Some mozzarella cheese
- Some parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Prepare the Tomato Sauce: Blend 2 fresh tomatoes together with the soaked sun-dried tomatoes, fresh basil, and minced garlic using a hand blender or any food processor until smooth to form the sauce.
- Chop Vegetables: Dice the remaining 2 fresh tomatoes and chop the zucchini into small pieces to use later in the risotto.
- Cook Tomatoes in Pan: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a medium-sized pan over medium heat. Add the chopped fresh tomatoes and sauté for 1 minute to slightly soften.
- Add Tomato Sauce and Quinoa: Pour in the blended tomato sauce and stir. Then add the cooked quinoa to the pan and mix well for about 1 to 2 minutes to combine flavors evenly.
- Add Zucchini and Arugula: Incorporate the chopped zucchini and fresh arugula into the mixture. Stir thoroughly. Drizzle additional olive oil to taste and mix once more.
- Finish with Cheese and Serve: Turn off the heat. If using, add mozzarella and parmesan cheese to the pan and gently fold them in until just melted. Serve warm and enjoy your quick and nutritious quinoa risotto.
Notes
- Soaking the sun-dried tomatoes softens their texture and intensifies flavor.
- Use cooked quinoa prepared ahead of time to reduce total cooking time.
- Optional cheeses add creaminess but can be omitted for a dairy-free version.
- Adjust olive oil amount to your preference for richness.
- This dish is naturally gluten-free and vegetarian.
