Quinoa Pilaf

What a fabulous way to get started on this new Quinoa kick!  So easy to make, packed full of veggies and a great change up from rice.

I finally took a sip of the Quinoa Kool-aid and I am hooked!  Who ever saw that coming?  I used to make fun of all the Quinoa and Kale recipes out there.   But here I am cooking it up all the time! ( I still don’t eat Kale, but I like Red Chard -not Chardonnay…we know I like that, but Red Swiss Chard – its like Kale’s prettier second cousin with a red ribbon running through it.)

I’ve made about half dozen batches of this Quinoa stuff and am putting it in everything from salad to soup.   I’ve got a great way to make this stuff too.  Oven baked, not stove top and super easy!  Check it out here:

 Oven Baked Quinoa, White and Brown Rice.

When I served it to Mr. Laughing Spatula he didn’t even blink….turns out he thought it was whole wheat Cous Cous which is a staple around here.   I didn’t even have to hide it under his usual plethora of condiments!

This recipe is a basic – you can change out the veggies, add herbs and feta or parm.   The combinations are endless.  Make a double batch and bring for lunch stuffed in a pita or served on lettuce leaves. Olives and Roasted Red Peppers would be great in a chilled version.

If you have never tried Quinoa, this is a perfect way to introduce it to your family – it packs a nice mild nutty flavor and cooks up as easy as rice.  Winner winner, Quinoa for dinner!

To healthy food that doesn’t taste like healthy food!

Clink!

Kathi

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4.25 from 4 votes

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Quinoa Pilaf

Prep Time

10 mins

Cook Time

20 mins

Total Time

30 mins

 

This is a good basic recipe but change up the veggies, herbs and add some feta or parm and you have a different dish every time!

Course: Side Dish

Cuisine: American

Servings: 6 as a side dish

: 213 kcal

: LaughingSpatula.com

Ingredients

• 2 cups chicken stock or water
• 1 cup Quinoa
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1/2 cup chopped red pepper
• 1/2 cup chopped onion
• 1/2 cup chopped carrots
• 1/4 cup sliced or slivered almonds optional
• salt and pepper to taste
• Sliced green onion for garnish optional

Instructions

1. Using a fine mesh strainer - rinse quinoa under cold water for a few minutes.
2. In a skillet - heat up olive oil. Add all the veggies and sauté until cooked but not wilted. Add quinoa and cook a few minutes until slightly toasted. Add chicken stock and almonds.
3. Cook covered for about 15-20 minutes or until all the liquid is absorbed.
4. Top with sliced onions and serve.

Nutrition Facts

Quinoa Pilaf

Amount Per Serving

Calories 213 Calories from Fat 81

% Daily Value*

Total Fat 9g 14%

Saturated Fat 1g 5%

Cholesterol 2mg 1%

Sodium 124mg 5%

Potassium 355mg 10%

Total Carbohydrates 24g 8%

Dietary Fiber 3g 12%

Sugars 3g

Protein 7g 14%

Vitamin A 43.4%

Vitamin C 21.4%

Calcium 3.4%

Iron 9.5%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.