Step 1

Bring a medium saucepan filled two-thirds full of water to a boil. Place the quinoa in a fine mesh strainer and rinse a few times. Add the quinoa to the saucepan, lower the heat and simmer until the grains are tender and the germ (which looks like a white tail) just shows inside each grain, about 12 minutes. Strain the quinoa and rinse under cold water. Drain again, then set aside to dry out well.

Step 2

Meanwhile, combine the spinach, cilantro, lime juice, jalapeno, oil and garlic in a food processor and pulse until finely chopped.

Step 3

Combine the quinoa, the spinach mixture, and 3/4 teaspoon salt in the same saucepan the quinoa cooked in and set over medium-low heat. Cook, stirring, until warmed through, about 3 minutes. Stir in 1 tablespoon of the cheese. Transfer to a serving dish and sprinkle with the remaining 1 tablespoon cheese. Serve warm or at room temperature.