
Recently graduated with from Harvard University’s Graduate School of Design.…
The best part of this recipe is that it is easier to make than risotto, and taste even better the next day. This one is for the books!
By Mariela Alvarez Toro
The combination of spring onions, cooked and raw tomatoes, Parmesan cheese and quinoa is sublime. Each mouthful is satisfying and a celebration of summers best products.
PrintTomato Quinoa Risotto
The best part of this recipe is that it is easier to make than risotto, and taste even better the next day. This one is for the books!
- Author: Mariela Alvarez Toro
- Prep Time: 20 mins
- Cook Time: 35 mins
- Total Time: 55 mins
- Yield: 4 1x
- Category: Main
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 4–5 spring onions ( or half a large yellow onion)
- 3 cloves of garlic
- ¼ tbsp. cumin powder
- ½ cup quinoa
- 3 cups vegetable broth or water
- 2 cups canned tomatoes
- 2 tomatoes
- 1 cup white beans (optional)
- 2–3 inch rind of Parmegiano Reggiano
- 1/2 cup arugula
- Parmegiano Reggiano to taste (optional
Instructions
- Place a large pot over high heat. Pour olive oil and place quartered spring onions into the pot. Add a generous pinch of salt and cumin powder. Cook over medium heat until onions become translucent. Add garlic and cook for 2-3 minutes. Stir in quinoa and toast for 2 minutes. Add broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for 20 minutes.
- Add the canned tomatoes, white beans, and if you have save the rind of Parmeggiano Reggiano, add that too. Simmer for another 10-15 minutes. When ready to serve, add arugula and fresh tomatoes. Pour about ¾ of a cup into each serving plate drizzle with olive oil, sprinkle with ground black pepper, and shaved Parmegiano Reggiano. Devour!

Recently graduated with from Harvard University’s Graduate School of Design. She has recently completed "People in Food-Space", an ethnographic study on the cultural production of taste in space. She has also examined post-soviet food production systems and housing projects in Havana, Cuba. Originally from Puerto Rico, Mariela has been living in the United States for eight years. She has involved herself in both teaching and practice, while writing on food at tastyplan.com. Her goal as a food writer is to cook creatively, using the best ingredients to find new flavor combinations every day.