Yum! The first time I made this, I squeezed fresh lemons and the full 3/4 cup was too tart after I added the cilantro so I just use 1/2 cup. For bottled juice, I use what the recipe calls for. I hate cleaning the blender so I use an old hand-cranked egg beater in the pan-- I like the lentils less pureed so this works fine. Chicken or clear vegetable broth works good as a substitute when I don't have any stock on hand but stock tastes better.

Reviewed On: Oct. 6, 2009

Cilantro is best added just before eating or it loses its flavor so I leave it out during cooking. For variety I cut up a hot pepper, used mushrooms instead of corn, added cubed cooked chicken, used hot chili beans instead of black beans, used spiced black beans, it's pretty easy to vary. I'm always on the lookout for quinoa recipes and this is tasty and easy to make!

Reviewed On: Oct. 6, 2009