Quinoa Pilaf
User Reviews
5
Quinoa Pilaf
Description
In this Quinoa Pilaf, quinoa is first rinsed to remove any natural bitterness and then toasted lightly in butter along with diced onion and minced garlic. This step imparts a subtle roasted flavor. Adding chicken broth rehydrates the quinoa while simmering with carrot and celery provides a mild sweetness and freshness to the dish.
Once cooked and allowed to rest, the pilaf is fluffed and combined with dried cranberries for tartness, fresh chopped parsley for brightness, and toasted sliced almonds for a crunchy contrast. The variety of textures and balanced flavors create a well-rounded side dish.
This pilaf can be served alongside poultry or pork dishes, or as a vegetarian-friendly accompaniment. The inclusion of nuts and fruit adds complexity without overpowering the quinoa's natural flavor.
Notes advise rinsing quinoa thoroughly before cooking unless pre-washed, and mention that the cranberries and almonds can be swapped with other dried fruits or nuts. Adding fruit earlier in cooking can plump it up if desired.
Ingredients
- 1 ¼ cup quinoa
- ½ onion finely diced
- 1 clove garlic minced
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons carrot shredded
- 1 tablespoon celery finely diced
- ¼ cup dried cranberries
- 2 tablespoons parsley chopped, fresh
- 2 tablespoons almonds toasted, sliced
Instructions
- Rinse quinoa under cold water and drain.
- Cook onion, garlic and butter in a medium saucepan until tender.
- Add quinoa and cook until lightly browned, about 4 minutes.
- Add broth, carrot, & celery. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, and simmer covered 20 minutes or until liquid is absorbed.
- Remove from the heat and cover. Rest 5 minutes.
- Fluff with a fork and mix in cranberries, parsley, and almonds. Season with salt & pepper to taste.
Notes
- Rinse quinoa thoroughly under cold water before cooking, unless using pre-washed quinoa, to remove natural residue.
- Dried cranberries and almonds can be substituted with other dried fruits or nuts according to preference.
- For plumper dried fruit, add it to the pot with broth during simmering rather than mixing in at the end.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 4Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 314 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 314 | 16% |
| Carbohydrates | 44g | 15% |
| Protein | 9g | 18% |
| Fat | 12g | 18% |
| Saturated Fat | 4g | 20% |
| Trans Fat | 1g | 50% |
| Cholesterol | 15mg | 5% |
| Sodium | 492mg | 21% |
| Potassium | 496mg | 11% |
| Fiber | 5g | 20% |
| Sugar | 6g | 12% |
| Vitamin A | 1616IU | 32% |
| Vitamin C | 13mg | 14% |
| Calcium | 58mg | 6% |
| Iron | 3mg | 17% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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