Curried Quinoa Pilaf
adapted from The Versatile Rice Cooker

Quinoa is a high protein, natural whole grain which cooks into a nutty flavorful side dish. It is easily interchanged with rice in many dishes.

2 TB butter
1 C. quinoa, rinsed with cold water, drained
1 tsp curry powder
1/2 C. chopped onions
1 garlic clove, minced
1/3 C. coarsely grated carrot
1/2 tsp lemon zest
1 TB lemon juice
1/4 lb. fresh mushrooms, chopped
2 C. water
1/4 C. slivered toasted almonds
fresh cilantro leaves for garnish, optional
salt and freshly ground pepper

Turn cooker on and melt butter. Add curry powder and cook 1-2 minutes to bring out curry flavor. Add onions, garlic, carrot, and mushroom pieces. Cook, stirring, 1-2 minutes. Add water, quinoa, salt, pepper, lemon zest and juice. Cover rice cooker and cook until it shuts off. Put in serving dish and top with almonds and cilantro.