Quinoa Almond Pilaf

½ cup quinoa, rinsed and drained

1 cup cold water

¼ teaspoon salt

3 tablespoons olive oil

1 celery rib, chopped

1 small onion, chopped

1 carrot, chopped

1 clove garlic, minced

8 almonds, coarsely chopped

1 small tomato, seeded and chopped

2 tablespoons raisins

⅛ teaspoon salt

⅛ teaspoon ground black pepper

⅛ teaspoon dried thyme

⅛ teaspoon dried oregano

1 pinch coarse sea salt

Combine quinoa, cold water, and salt in a saucepan; bring to a boil, reduce heat to medium-low, place a cover on the saucepan, and cook until the liquid is fully absorbed, about 15 minutes.

Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Cook and stir celery, onion, carrot, and garlic in the hot oil until the onion is translucent, 5 to 7 minutes. Stir almonds, tomato, raisins, salt, pepper, thyme, and oregano into the vegetable mixture; cook and stir 1 minute more.

Fluff the quinoa with a fork and stir into the mixture in the skillet; cook and stir until evenly mixed and hot, about 30 seconds.

Divide between 3 plates; sprinkle the top of each portion with a scattering of a few coarse sea salt granules for a surprising crunch of salty goodness.