One Pan Quinoa with Mushrooms, Kale, and Garlic Herb Butter
Try this One Pan Quinoa with Mushrooms, Kale, and Garlic Herb Butter recipe.
Try this One Pan Quinoa with Mushrooms, Kale, and Garlic Herb Butter recipe.
- 2 cups chicken broth
- salt/pepper
- 1 head of garlic
- 1/4 cup +1 tsp i can't believe it's not butter divided
- 1/4 cup walnuts roughly chopped
- 1 cup crimini mushrooms roughly chopped
- 1/2 cup onions diced
- 1 cup quinoa uncooked
- 6 cups kale chopped
- 1/2 tsp fresh thyme minced
- 1 tbsp + 1 tsp fresh parsley minced
- fresh lemon juice for garnish
- Carbohydrate 12.514275 g
- Cholesterol 460 mg
- Fat 93.15184 g
- Fiber 2.53200000953674 g
- Protein 118.16003 g
- Saturated Fat 26.5422801666667 g
- Serving Size 1 1 Serving (751g)
- Sodium 512.985833333333 mg
- Sugar 9.98227499046326 g
- Trans Fat 8.10431166666667 g
- Calories 1381 calories
Step-by-step
- Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
- Cut the top portion of the head of garlic, leaving the upper portion of the cloves exposed. Place two pieces of tinfoil on top of each other, and place the garlic in the center. In a small bowl, melt 1 tsp of I can't believe it's not butter and then pour onto the garlic, rubbing it into the tops of the cloves. Package the tinfoil around it and place it on a small baking tray. Bake until the cloves are very soft, about 50-60 mins.
- Place the walnuts onto a small pan and place them into the oven, just until lightly toasted (about 4-7 mins). Remove and set aside.
- In a large pan, melt 2 Tbsp of I can't believe it's not butter on medium heat. Add in the mushrooms and onions and cook until golden brown, about 4-5 minutes, stirring frequently.
- Once cooked, add in the quinoa and chicken broth and stir well. Bring the mixture to a boil and then reduce the heat to low, cover and cook until all the water is absorbed, about 25-30 minutes.
- Once cooked, add in the chopped kale, stir and cover for about 5 minutes until the kale begins to wilt.
- While the kale cooks, press all of the garlic cloves out of the roasted head and place them into a medium bowl, along with the remaining 2 Tbsp of I can't believe it's not butter. Use a spoon to smash the I can't believe it's not butter and garlic until the garlic is evenly incorporated throughout the butter. Add in the fresh thyme and parsley and mix well.
- Melt the I can't believe it's not butter mixture in the microwave and pour over the top of the quinoa. Mix well and season to taste with salt and pepper.
- Garnish with toasted walnuts and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice.
- DEVOUR!
A Weeknight Wonder: One Pan Quinoa with Mushrooms, Kale, and Garlic Herb Butter
Life as a busy working mom is a whirlwind of school runs, deadlines, and the ever-present question: "What's for dinner?" I crave simple, healthy meals that don't sacrifice flavor or require hours in the kitchen. This One Pan Quinoa with Mushrooms, Kale, and Garlic Herb Butter recipe has become a lifesaver. It's quick, easy, and satisfying – perfect for those evenings when time is of the essence.
The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity. Everything cooks together in one pan, minimizing cleanup and maximizing efficiency. The quinoa provides a hearty base, the mushrooms offer a rich earthiness, and the kale adds a vibrant pop of color and nutrients. And let's not forget the star of the show: the fragrant garlic herb butter. It ties all the flavors together beautifully, creating a dish that’s both comforting and sophisticated.
I often double the recipe on weekends to have leftovers for lunches throughout the week. It reheats beautifully and tastes just as good (if not better!) the next day. The kids love it, which is a huge bonus in my book! There's something so satisfying about knowing that I've fed my family a delicious and healthy meal without spending hours slaving away in the kitchen.
Beyond the Weeknight: This dish is versatile enough to be adapted for any occasion. A simple swap of ingredients could transform it into a special dinner party meal. Imagine swapping out the kale for spinach or adding some crumbled feta cheese for a more Mediterranean twist. The possibilities are endless.
A Few Tips for Success:
- Don't overcook the quinoa: Follow the package directions for cooking time. Overcooked quinoa can become mushy.
- Roast the garlic: Roasting the garlic brings out its sweetness and creates a wonderfully fragrant flavor.
- Use fresh herbs: Fresh thyme and parsley add a brightness that dried herbs simply can't match.
- Adjust seasoning to taste: Seasoning is key. Don't be afraid to add extra salt, pepper, or even a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat.
This One Pan Quinoa with Mushrooms, Kale, and Garlic Herb Butter recipe is more than just a meal; it's a testament to the power of simple, wholesome ingredients combined with a little creativity. It's a dish that nourishes the body and soul, proving that healthy eating doesn't have to be complicated or time-consuming.
So, the next time you're short on time but craving a delicious and nutritious meal, give this recipe a try. I promise, it won't disappoint!
Variations:
- Add protein: Toss in some cooked chicken, chickpeas, or lentils for a heartier meal.
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for some heat.
- Change the greens: Substitute spinach, Swiss chard, or other leafy greens for the kale.
- Add cheese: Crumbled feta or goat cheese would be a delicious addition.
Enjoy!
