5.0 from 21 votes
Best Quinoa Pilaf
This quinoa pilaf is made with mushrooms and thyme, and makes the perfect side dish or vegetarian main course. It's a complete source of plant-based protein!
Prep Time
5 mins
Cook Time
5 mins
Total Time
30 mins
Servings: 4
Calories: 303 kcal
Course:
Main Course
Cuisine:
American
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 yellow onion , chopped
- 2 celery stalks , chopped
- 8 ounces crimini mushrooms , chopped
- 2 garlic cloves , minced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme (or 1 T freshly minced)
- 1 cup dry quinoa
- 1 1/2 cups vegetable broth
- 1 teaspoon fine sea salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/2 cup pecans , chopped (optional)
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet (that has a lid) over medium-high heat, and add in the onions, celery, and mushrooms. Saute until tender, about 8 minutes. Add in the garlic and thyme, and stir just until fragrant, about 1 more minute.
- Pour the quinoa into a fine mesh seive and rinse well, to help remove any bitterness. Pour the drained quinoa into the skillet, along with the broth, salt, and pepper. Bring the liquid to a boil.
- When the liquid is boiling, lower the heat and cover the pan with a lid. Let it cook until the quinoa is tender and the liquid is absorbed, about 15 minutes. If the quinoa isn't totally tender in that amount of time, remove the pan from the heat and keep it covered for 10 more minutes. The quinoa should be tender by then, without anything burning to the bottom.
- Remove the lid and fluff the quinoa with a fork. Adjust any seasoning to taste, and stir in the pecans for added crunch. Serve warm right away. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. (It's delicious cold for lunch the next day, too!)
Cup of Yum
Notes
- Nutrition information is for 1 of 4 servings. If you're serving this as a main course, it may only serve 2 to 3 people. Nutrition information is automatically calculated, and is just an estimate, not a guarantee.
- Feel free to swap the veggies for any others that you have on hand.
Nutrition Information
Calories
303kcal
(15%)
Carbohydrates
35g
(12%)
Protein
9g
(18%)
Fat
15g
(23%)
Saturated Fat
2g
(10%)
Polyunsaturated Fat
4g
Monounsaturated Fat
8g
Sodium
605mg
(25%)
Potassium
648mg
(19%)
Fiber
5g
(20%)
Sugar
3g
(6%)
Vitamin A
114IU
(2%)
Vitamin C
3mg
(3%)
Calcium
62mg
(6%)
Iron
3mg
(17%)
Nutrition Facts
Serving: 4Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 303
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 303kcal | 15% |
| Carbohydrates | 35g | 12% |
| Protein | 9g | 18% |
| Fat | 15g | 23% |
| Saturated Fat | 2g | 10% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 4g | 24% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 8g | 40% |
| Sodium | 605mg | 25% |
| Potassium | 648mg | 14% |
| Fiber | 5g | 20% |
| Sugar | 3g | 6% |
| Vitamin A | 114IU | 2% |
| Vitamin C | 3mg | 3% |
| Calcium | 62mg | 6% |
| Iron | 3mg | 17% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.