Quinoa Pilaf Recipe

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, divided in half
• 1/2 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
• 1/4 bell pepper, finely chopped
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons pine nuts
• 1 cup uncooked quinoa
• 2 cups water
• Pinch freshly ground black pepper
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh mint
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil or Thai basil*
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh chives (or green onions including the greens)
• 1 small cucumber, peeled, seeds removed, chopped
• Salt and pepper