Quinoa with Bacon and Almonds

If you haven't tried quinoa (pronounced KEEN-wah) yet, make this recipe. Or if you have tried quinoa, you'll definitely want to make it this way next time. A little shallot, bacon, almonds, and fresh herbs add lots of delicious flavor to this side dish. Quinoa is one of those "super foods" full of good stuff like protein, fiber, amino acids, calcium, and iron! So eat up!!

Quinoa with Bacon and Almonds
1/3 cup chopped or slivered almonds
2 slices bacon
1 small shallot, minced
1 cup quinoa
2 cups chicken stock
3-4 sage leaves, minced
1 tablespoon minced chives
1 tablespoon chopped parsley
Salt and pepper


Toast the almonds either in a 350 degree oven or in a skillet on the stove. Spread the almonds on a pie plate in the oven until golden brown (about 5 minutes) or in a skillet over medium heat (about 5 minutes). Let cool. 

In a medium saucepan, cook the bacon over medium heat until crispy, about 10 minutes. Remove the cooked bacon and place on a paper towel lined plate. Add the shallot to the pan and cook, stirring a few times, until softened but not browned, about 3 minutes. Add the quinoa, stock and sage and bring to a boil. Cover and cook over low heat until the stock has been absorbed, about 17 minutes. Remove the quinoa from the heat and let stand, covered, for 5 minutes. Crumble the bacon into the quinoa. Stir in the chives, parsley and toasted almonds. Season the quinoa with salt and pepper and serve.

We had this with some salmon and vegetables, but you could serve this alone or as a side with just about anything. Try this in place of potatoes or white rice in your next meal.

Enjoy!!


recipe from foodandwine.com