Hearty Quinoa with Sautéed Apples and Almonds

Ingredients

• 0.1 teaspoon pepper black freshly ground
• 0.8 cup carrots diced finely ( 2)
• 1  garlic clove minced
• 1.5 cups apples i use 2 granny smith apples diced unpeeled finely ( 1)
• 0.3 teaspoon ground cinnamon 
• 2 teaspoons olive oil divided
• 0.8 cup onion chopped
• 1 cup quinoa uncooked
• 0.3 teaspoon salt 
• 3 tablespoons slivered almonds toasted
• 2 cups vegetable broth organic (such as Swanson Certified )

Equipment

• bowl
• frying pan
• sauce pan
• sieve

Directions

1. Place quinoa in a fine sieve; place sieve in a large bowl. Cover quinoa with water. Using your hands, rub grains together for 30 seconds; rinse and drain. Repeat procedure twice.
2. Drain well.
3. Heat 1 teaspoon oil in saucepan over medium-high heat.
4. Add onion, carrot, and garlic to pan; saut 5 minutes or until onion is tender and carrot begins to brown. Stir in broth, quinoa, salt, and cinnamon; bring to a boil. Cover, reduce heat, and simmer 20 minutes or until liquid is absorbed.
5. Remove from heat. Fluff with a fork; keep warm.
6. Heat remaining 1 teaspoon oil in a nonstick skillet over medium-high heat.
7. Add apple to pan; saut 7 minutes or until apple begins to brown.
8. Add apple, almonds, and pepper to quinoa, tossing to combine.
9. Serve warm.