Herbed Quinoa Pilaf

Ingredients

Quinoa

1 cup

Vegetable broth

2 cups

Olive oil

2 tablespoons

Onion

1, diced

Garlic

2 cloves, minced

Carrot

1, diced

Bell pepper

1, diced (any color)

Fresh parsley

1/4 cup, chopped

Fresh thyme

1 tablespoon, chopped

Fresh rosemary

1 tablespoon, chopped

Salt

to taste

Pepper

to taste

Instructions

1. Rinse the quinoa under cold water in a fine-mesh strainer until the water runs clear. This step removes the natural coating, called saponin, which can give quinoa a bitter taste.
2. In a medium saucepan, bring the vegetable broth to a boil over high heat.
3. Once boiling, add the rinsed quinoa to the broth. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes, or until the quinoa is tender and all the liquid has been absorbed.
4. While the quinoa is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
5. Add the diced onion, minced garlic, carrot, and bell pepper to the skillet. Sauté the vegetables until they are soft and fragrant, about 5 minutes.
6. Once the quinoa is cooked, fluff it with a fork and then stir it into the skillet with the sautéed vegetables.
7. Add the chopped parsley, thyme, and rosemary to the skillet. Season the mixture with salt and pepper to taste, stirring everything together until well combined.
8. Serve the herbed quinoa pilaf warm as a delightful side dish to your favorite main courses.