Grilled Salmon, Roasted Asparagus and Quinoa

Ingredients

• 450 g asparagus (About 1 bunch, tough ends trimmed)
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 0.5 tsp salt (Or to taste)
• 0.25 tsp black pepper (Freshly ground is best)
• 0.5 tsp garlic powder
• 1 pcs lemon (Cut into wedges, for serving)

Instructions

1. 1

   Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Prepare the asparagus by washing the spears and patting them completely dry with a paper towel. To remove the tough ends, hold a spear with both hands and bend it until it naturally snaps. Use this first spear as a guide to chop the ends off the rest of the bunch.

2. 2

   On a large, rimmed baking sheet, place the trimmed asparagus. Drizzle with olive oil, then sprinkle evenly with salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. Use your hands to toss the spears gently, ensuring each one is lightly coated.

3. 3

   Arrange the seasoned asparagus in a single, even layer on the baking sheet, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. This helps them roast rather than steam.

4. 4

   Roast for 10-12 minutes. The exact time will depend on the thickness of your spears. They are done when they are tender-crisp and the tips are slightly browned and crispy. You can test for doneness by piercing a spear with a fork.

5. 5

   Remove the baking sheet from the oven. Transfer the roasted asparagus to a serving platter and serve immediately with fresh lemon wedges on the side for squeezing over the top.

Ingredients

• 1 cup quinoa (any color will work)
• 2 cup water (or use vegetable broth for more flavor)
• 1 tbsp olive oil (optional, for toasting)

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 well.
2. 2

   Toast the quinoa (Optional)

   • Heat the olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat.
   • Add the rinsed and drained quinoa.
   • Toast for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until the grains are dry and smell nutty.
3. 3

   Cook the quinoa

   • Carefully pour the water or broth into the saucepan with the quinoa.
   • Increase the heat to high and bring the liquid to a rolling boil.
   • Once boiling, immediately reduce the heat to the lowest setting, cover with a tight-fitting lid, and let it simmer for 15 minutes.
4. 4

   Rest and fluff the quinoa

   • After 15 minutes, remove the saucepan from the heat and let it stand, still covered, for 5 minutes.
   • Remove the lid and gently fluff the quinoa with a fork, separating the grains.
   • Serve warm as a side dish or let it cool to use in salads.