Teresa's Recipes
Mushroom and Quinoa Pilaf
Experience a delightful symphony of earthy mushrooms and nutty quinoa harmonized with aromatic herbs in this Mushroom and Quinoa Pilaf. This nutritious, savory side dish is steeped in the warm flavors of thyme and garlic, making it a wonderful companion to your main course or a wholesome meal on its own. Originating from the Middle East, the pilaf method of cooking grains in a seasoned broth has been adopted worldwide to create deliciously flavorful dishes.
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup, chopped Parsley
- to taste Salt and pepper
- 1 teaspoon, dried Thyme
- 2 tablespoons Olive oil
- 2 cloves, minced Garlic
- 1, medium, finely chopped Onion
- 2 cups, sliced Mushrooms
- 2 cups Vegetable broth
- 1 cup, rinsed and drained Quinoa
Dietary Notes
- Servings: 4
- Dish Type: Side Dish
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Calories: 220
- Fat: 7g
- Carbs: 32g
- Protein: 8g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Sugar: 3g
Instructions
- Rinse the quinoa under cold water until the water runs clear. This step is crucial to remove the natural coating of quinoa that can give it a bitter taste.
- In a saucepan, bring the vegetable broth to a boil over high heat. Add the quinoa and stir. Reduce the heat to low, cover the saucepan, and let it simmer for about 15 minutes, or until the quinoa is tender and the liquid is absorbed.
- While the quinoa is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and minced garlic, sauté until the onions become translucent and the garlic releases its aroma, about 5 minutes.
- To the skillet, add the sliced mushrooms, dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Cook for about 8 minutes, or until the mushrooms are tender and have a golden-brown hue.
- Fluff the cooked quinoa with a fork and add it to the skillet. Stir to combine with the mushroom mixture. Cook for an additional 2 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the chopped parsley. Adjust the seasoning if necessary.
- Serve the Mushroom and Quinoa Pilaf hot. It can be a flavorful accompaniment to roasted meats or a satisfying main course when served with a refreshing salad.
Tips
- For an added crunch, you can toss in some toasted almonds or pecans.
- You can use any type of mushrooms you prefer or a mix of varieties for a more complex flavor.
- Fresh thyme can be used instead of dried for a more intense flavor.