Balsamic Spinach Quinoa

January 7, 2015

I tell you what, I am loving this healthy kick I’ve been on. We’ll see how long this lasts before I cave and make something decadent (I will always be a woman who needs a piece of cake or juicy burger once in a while), but for now I’m thoroughly enjoying the ride! Quinoa has become an absolute favorite of mine because it satisfies my massive carb cravings without the guilt.

Quinoa is such an amazing food that can be used in so many dishes, including this balsamic spinach quinoa side dish!
Quinoa is such an amazing food that can be used in so many dishes, including this balsamic spinach quinoa. It’s a superfood and gluten free, so I love that it’s a healthy option for a side dish. The flavor is also really neutral, so there are endless possibilities for flavoring it!
The balsamic spinach quinoa ready to cook!
For this dish, I brought an incredible mixture of vegetable stock and balsamic to a boil. The quinoa cooked in it until it was all tender with those cute little tendrils popping out. It took about 12 minutes, so this was also a quick dish!
Spinach adds great freshness and pretty green color to the balsamic spinach quinoa.
While the quinoa cooked, I quickly chopped up a bunch of baby spinach to stir in with it. The spinach added great freshness and pretty green color to the balsamic spinach quinoa.
Balsamic Spinach Quinoa
Once the quinoa cooked, I fluffed up the balsamic spinach quinoa. It’s strangely fun! Don’t judge. Then I stirred in the spinach to gently wilt into it.

That was it, it was as simple as that! I loved the rich, deep color and flavor that relatively small amount of balsamic gave the dish, and the spinach was a wonderfully fresh and green counterpoint. Balsamic spinach quinoa is really the ultimate side dish, enjoy friends!

Balsamic Spinach Quinoa
Balsamic Spinach Quinoa
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Balsamic Spinach Quinoa
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Balsamic Spinach Quinoa
Prep Time
5 mins
Cook Time
12 mins
Total Time
17 mins
 
Course: Side Dish
Servings: 4
Author: Jeanie and Lulu's Kitchen
Ingredients
  • 1 3/4 cups vegetable stock
  • 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
  • 1 pinch salt
  • 1 cup plain uncooked quinoa
  • 1 packed cup baby spinach leaves roughly chopped
Instructions
  1. In a small pot combine the stock, balsamic and salt. Bring it to a boil, then stir in the quinoa. Cover the pot and turn the heat to medium low. Let the quinoa cook for 12-14 minutes, until all of the liquid is absorbed and it is tender.
  2. Turn off the heat when the quinoa is cooked and fluff it up with a fork. Stir in the chopped spinach and let it just wilt into the hot quinoa. Scoop it onto a plate with your favorite main course and enjoy!

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