Quinoa with Tomatoes and Cheese

Ingredients

• 1 cup quinoa rinsed well
• 2 cups water 
• 1 tablespoon olive oil extra virgin 
• 1 tablespoon butter 
• 1 cup onions chopped
• 1 teaspoon garlic minced
• 1.3 cups tomatoes fresh cored chopped
• 1 large roasted green peeled seeded chopped
• 2 teaspoons tomato paste 
• 3 servings salt 
• 3 servings pepper black freshly ground
• 0.3 teaspoon oregano dried fresh finely chopped (or)
• 4 ounces queso fresco fresh cut into small cubes
• 1 cup milk 

Equipment

• bowl
• frying pan
• pot

Directions

1. Cook the quinoa: Put 1 cup quinoa and 2 cups of water into a medium sized pot and bring to a boil. Reduce to a low simmer, cover and cook for 10 minutes.
2. Remove from heat and let sit for 10 minutes.
3. Prepare the sauce: While the quinoa is cooking, prepare the sauce.
4. Heat olive oil and butter in a medium skillet on medium heat.
5. Add the onions and cook for a couple minutes.
6. Add the garlic, cook for a minute more.
7. Add the chopped tomato, about 1/2 teaspoon salt, dried oregano, and tomato paste.
8. Add chopped green chiles (cooked) if using.
9. Sprinkle with freshly ground black pepper. Stir until well combined.
10. Let cook until the tomatoes have cooked through and the sauce has cooked down a bit. Then stir in the cheese. Taste and add more salt or pepper if needed.
11. Stir in milk and top with sauce: Stir 1 cup of milk into the now cooked quinoa.
12. Serve the quinoa in bowls and top with sauce.
13. Garnish with chopped basil, parsley, cilantro, or chives.