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Easy Flavorful Quinoa Pilaf

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A quick and healthy quinoa pilaf recipe featuring toasted quinoa, fresh herbs, and sautéed vegetables, perfect for busy weeknights and meal prep.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup (170g) rinsed quinoa
  • 2 cups (480ml) vegetable broth
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 medium carrot, peeled and diced
  • 1 small bell pepper, diced
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1/4 cup toasted nuts (almonds or walnuts), chopped (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice

Instructions

  1. Rinse 1 cup (170g) of quinoa under cold water using a fine mesh strainer to remove bitterness.
  2. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add quinoa and toast for 3-4 minutes, stirring frequently, until it smells nutty and looks dry.
  3. Pour in 2 cups (480ml) vegetable broth and a pinch of salt. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes.
  4. Remove from heat and let quinoa sit, covered, for another 5 minutes to steam.
  5. While quinoa cooks, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until translucent.
  6. Stir in minced garlic, diced carrot, and bell pepper. Cook for 5-7 minutes until veggies are tender but still bright.
  7. In a small dry skillet, toast 1/4 cup chopped nuts over medium heat for 2-3 minutes until fragrant. Remove and set aside.
  8. Add ground cumin, salt, and pepper to the sautéed veggies, stirring to combine.
  9. Fluff quinoa with a fork and transfer to the skillet with veggies. Toss gently to combine everything evenly.
  10. Stir in fresh parsley and drizzle with 1 tablespoon lemon juice.
  11. Top with toasted nuts just before serving.

Notes

Rinse quinoa well to remove bitterness. Toast quinoa before cooking to enhance nutty flavor. Let quinoa steam off heat for fluffy texture. Adjust salt carefully as quinoa and broth absorb seasoning differently. Can substitute chicken broth if not vegetarian. Nuts can be swapped for seeds for allergies. Can cook quinoa in rice cooker or Instant Pot but toast first for flavor.

Nutrition

Keywords: quinoa pilaf, healthy quinoa recipe, easy quinoa pilaf, vegetarian quinoa, gluten-free pilaf, plant-based meal, quick dinner, healthy meal prep

Find it online: https://norasfoods.com/easy-flavorful-quinoa-pilaf-recipe-5-steps-for-healthy-meals/