Last night was my first time to eat quinoa. Fair to say – I probably sound like a horrible gluten free eater for admitting that. But, the look of this ‘grain’ was not really appetizing to me. It really looks bland and uninteresting in the package.

However, I was wrong (that is a common trend for this blog!). Quinoa is superb – it’s delightful.  I was literally scrapping the bowl for more after my plate was gone.

This recipe for gluten free, garlic Parmesan quinoa is fantastic. It tastes a little like gourmet macaroni and cheese. Obviously without the noodles; but, this really could be a great substitute for this staple all-American dish.

You will need: 1 cup quinoa, 1 tbsp. olive oil, ½ onion, 2 cups water, 2 cloves garlic, ¾ cup Parmesan (don’t worry, it does not have to be fresh), 2 tsp. dried basil, salt and pepper to taste.

First, pour the olive oil into a cooking pot on the stove. Let it simmer. Cut up the onion and the garlic. I simply threw them in the food processor. Then dump these chopped up flavor pieces into the cooking pot. Brown your onion and garlic for about 2 minutes.

Next pour in the water and quinoa into the cooking pot. Also add in the basil. Stir this mixture a little and cover the pot for about 15 minutes. This will let the quinoa cook.

You will know it is done – when all the water is absorbed in the pot. The quinoa also will look clear in the center of the grain. Dump the Parmesan over the quinoa mixture after it’s fully cooked.

Sprinkle salt and pepper to taste and serve. Enjoy your delicious gourmet tasting gluten free, Italian dish. You are sure to make this again. Promise.