Teresa's Recipes
Herbed Quinoa Pilaf
Experience the vibrant flavors of our Herbed Quinoa Pilaf, a wholesome side dish that beautifully blends the nuttiness of quinoa with the freshness of garden herbs and colorful vegetables. This dish is not only a feast for the eyes but also a powerhouse of nutrients, making it a perfect accompaniment to any meal. Quinoa, often referred to as the 'super grain of the future,' has been cultivated for thousands of years in the Andes Mountains, cherished for its high protein content and essential amino acids. Serve it warm and let the aroma of herbs fill your kitchen!
Ingredients
- 1 cup Quinoa
- 2 cups Vegetable broth
- 2 tablespoons Olive oil
- 1, diced Onion
- 2 cloves, minced Garlic
- 1, diced Carrot
- 1, diced (any color) Bell pepper
- 1/4 cup, chopped Fresh parsley
- 1 tablespoon, chopped Fresh thyme
- 1 tablespoon, chopped Fresh rosemary
- to taste Salt
- to taste Pepper
Dietary Notes
- Servings: 4
- Dish Type: Side Dish
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Calories: 220
- Fat: 7g
- Carbs: 34g
- Protein: 6g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Sugar: 2g
Instructions
- 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.
- In a medium saucepan, bring the vegetable broth to a boil over high heat.
- 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.
- While the quinoa is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- 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.
- Once the quinoa is cooked, fluff it with a fork and then stir it into the skillet with the sautéed vegetables.
- 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.
- Serve the herbed quinoa pilaf warm as a delightful side dish to your favorite main courses.
Tips
- For added flavor, consider toasting the quinoa in the skillet with a little olive oil before adding the broth.
- Feel free to customize the vegetable mix according to the seasons or what you have on hand! Zucchini, spinach, or peas make great additions.
- For a touch of zing, add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice just before serving.