Baked Cod with Quinoa and Roasted Broccoli

Ingredients

• 1 cup quinoa (white, rinsed well)
• 2 cup water (or no-salt-added vegetable broth)
• 1 tbsp olive oil (optional, for toasting)
• 0.25 tsp garlic powder
• 0.25 tsp black pepper (freshly ground)
• 0.25 tsp salt (optional, for low-sodium version)
• 1 tbsp lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
• 2 tbsp parsley (fresh, finely chopped)

Instructions

1. 1

   Rinse the quinoa

   • Place the quinoa in a fine-mesh sieve.
   • Rinse thoroughly under cold running water for at least 1 minute, rubbing the grains with your fingers to remove the bitter saponin coating.
   • Drain very well.
2. 2

   Toast the quinoa (optional)

   • Heat the olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat.
   • Add the rinsed and drained quinoa and toast for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until it smells nutty and is slightly golden.
3. 3

   Cook the quinoa

   • Carefully pour the water into the saucepan. Add the garlic powder, black pepper, and salt.
   • Bring the mixture to a rolling boil over high heat.
   • Once boiling, reduce the heat to the lowest setting, cover with a tight-fitting lid, and simmer for 15 minutes.
4. 4

   Rest and fluff

   • After 15 minutes, remove the saucepan from the heat and let it stand, still covered, for 5 minutes. This allows the quinoa to steam and finish cooking.
   • Remove the lid and gently fluff the grains with a fork.
5. 5

   Finish and serve

   • Stir in the fresh lemon juice and chopped parsley.
   • Serve warm as a side dish.

Ingredients

• 680 g broccoli (About 2 medium heads, cut into 1.5-inch florets)
• 3 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 0.75 tsp kosher salt
• 0.5 tsp black pepper (Freshly ground)
• 0.5 lemon (For juicing, optional)

Instructions

1. 1

   Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a large, rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.

2. 2

   Wash and thoroughly dry the broccoli florets. This step is crucial for getting crispy edges. In a large bowl, toss the dry florets with olive oil, garlic powder, kosher salt, and black pepper. Mix until every piece is evenly coated.

3. 3

   Spread the seasoned broccoli in a single, even layer on the prepared baking sheet. Ensure there is space between the florets to promote roasting rather than steaming. Use two pans if necessary to avoid overcrowding.

4. 4

   Roast for 15-20 minutes, flipping the florets halfway through the cooking time. The broccoli is done when the stems are tender-crisp and the edges are browned and slightly charred.

5. 5

   Remove from the oven. For a bright, fresh finish, squeeze the juice from the lemon half over the hot broccoli, if using. Serve immediately for the best texture.