A delicious and nutritious blend of quinoa with roasted peppers and fresh herbs.

Here is a step-by-step guide to preparing it, focusing on the ingredients and careful preparation to ensure the best result.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup of quinoa
• 2 medium-sized red bell peppers
• 1 clove of garlic (minced)
• 2 tablespoons of olive oil
• 1/2 cup of fresh mint leaves (or parsley, as desired)
• Juice of half a lemon
• Salt and black pepper (to taste)
• A sprinkle of sesame seeds (optional)
• A few sprigs of rosemary (for garnish)

Instructions:

1. Rinse and Cook the Quinoa
2. Start by thoroughly rinsing the quinoa under cold running water in a fine-mesh sieve for one to two minutes. This step is crucial to remove the natural saponin coating on the quinoa seeds, which can give them a bitter taste.
3. Roast the Red Peppers:
   • Preheat your oven to a high temperature (200°C or 400°F) or use a broiler.
   • Wash and dry the red peppers thoroughly. You can brush them with a little olive oil.
   • Place the peppers on a baking sheet and roast for 20-30 minutes, or until the skin is completely blackened and charred. While roasting, turn the peppers occasionally to ensure they are roasted on all sides.
   • Once the peppers are ready, take them out of the oven and place them in a covered bowl or a paper bag for 10 minutes. This will make the peeling process easier.
   • Peel the skin off the peppers and slice or dice them into small pieces.
4. Assemble the Dish:
   • In a large bowl, combine the cooked quinoa with the roasted pepper slices.
   • In a small bowl, mix the olive oil, minced garlic, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper. This will be the dressing that gives the dish its distinctive flavor.
   • Pour the dressing over the quinoa and pepper mixture, and gently toss the ingredients until the dressing is evenly distributed.
   • Add the fresh mint leaves (either chopped or left whole, as you prefer) and toss them with the rest of the ingredients.
5. Serving:
   • Place the quinoa in a serving bowl.
   • Garnish the dish with some extra fresh mint leaves, a sprinkle of sesame seeds, and sprigs of rosemary, as seen in the photo.
   • Serve the dish warm or at room temperature. It can be enjoyed as a side dish or a light main course.

Additional Tips:

• You can add other ingredients like cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, or some feta cheese for more flavor.
• If you don’t have time to roast the peppers, you can use pre-roasted jarred red peppers.
• Make sure the quinoa is completely dry before adding the dressing to ensure it absorbs the flavor better.