Quick Quinoa with Cilantro Pesto

Get your “carb fix” with this healthier spin on a pasta with pesto. Tyrosine-rich proteins, like quinoa, can help regulate thyroid. Cilantro, a natural detoxifier, helps remove unhealthy metals like mercury and other toxins that may be harming your thyroid function out of your system. This pesto makes a great accompaniment to frittatas, wraps and gluten-free noodles.

• 1 cup quinoa, rinsed
• 2 cups water
• ½ teaspoon sea salt
• ½ bunch cilantro, cleaned
• 1 1-inch piece of ginger, peeled and minced
• ½ cup extra virgin olive oil
• 2 to 3 tablespoons rice vinegar

1. Rinse quinoa in cold water.
2. In a small pot, bring quinoa and 2 cups of water to boil. Add a pinch of sea salt and lower heat to simmer. Cover and cook for 12 to 15 minutes or until all the water evaporates.
3. In a food processor or blender, combine cilantro, ginger, olive oil, rice vinegar and sea salt. Pulse until smooth and creamy.
4. Toss cooked quinoa with cilantro pesto.

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