This Quinoa Pilaf recipe is a really simple and tasty way to incorporate quinoa (another "superfood") into your diet.
The making of Quinoa Pilaf
This Quinoa Pilaf is a really simple way to incorporate quinoa (another "superfood") into your diet.
Cooking Quinoa
Cooking Quinoa might seem intimidating, but it's actually as easy as cooking any type of rice. Gluten-free, high in protein, although not as high as some other grains and beans, it's easily digested and grows well in poor/dry soils. It is not a grass, but more closely related to spinach and tumbleweeds.
I've always wanted to eat a tumbleweed. You too?
The outside coating of Quinoa is slightly bitter and so the grain benefits from a good washing prior to cooking. Rinsing Quinoa removes the bitterness. You don’t need to rinse it if you really don’t mind a bit of bitter in your bite, but once you see all the sediment in the bowl, you probably will want to from now on. My favorite way to rinse quinoa is to place it in a sieve, then dip that into a large bowl of water, agitate, lift the sieve and let it drain. Drain the water, then do it again, and again. Three times should make it perfect.
Quinoa being rinsed. Can you see all the sediment?
"Everyone loved this recipe, including my son’s girlfriend who could be described as a “cautious” eater"
I served this Quinoa Pilaf with a simple baked chicken breast along with some steamed green beans which made an easy, tasty meal in less than 30 minutes that was also low in fat and calories, and high in satisfaction and taste.
Try this Quinoa Pilaf with
Easy Chicken Cordon Bleu with Dijon Mustard Sauce
Or as a real super powerhouse
Roasted Salmon and Red Pepper Sauce
Quinoa Pilaf
Ingredients
- 1 cup quinoa use any type I used multi-colored
- 2 cups water or chicken stock or combo
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- ⅓ cup each finely diced red and orange or yellow bell pepper
- ¼ cup sliced green onions white and green parts
- ¼ cup minced fresh parsley
- Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste
Instructions
- Rinse the quinoa at least 3 times in freshwater. Put into a rice cooker; add 2 cups water, a pinch of salt, and the butter. Cover and turn the cooker on, cook until the cooker turns off, about 20 minutes. (Alternatively, place the quinoa into a pot with a tight-fitting lid, add water and butter, bring to a simmer, lower heat, cover and cook for 20 minutes).
- While the quinoa is cooking, heat the oil in a sauté pan over medium-low heat; add pepper and onions, sauté until tender, about 5 minutes.
- When the quinoa is cooked and the vegetables are tender, combine; stir in the parsley. Taste and adjust salt and pepper.
Tammy says
Okay Linda, because everything you make is FABULOUS, I'm going to make my husband try to make this and see if I like it. Because I TRUST you. Even with quinoa.
LindySez says
Haha, if my son's particular eating girlfriend liked it and ate it, then I think you are safe to like it 🙂 ~ Cheers
Vidya Sury says
Looks so very pretty, Linda. I love that I can experiment with this recipe using rice, semolina and just about any of our staples.
(Love that recipe rating widget :D)
Jessica says
This looks delicious! I have quinoa but haven't made it yet, so I am excited to give this recipe a try!
Cher says
Wow!! The Quinoa with chicken sounds AWESOME!! Thanks so much for sharing!
Elle says
Your pictures make it a piece of cake, or in this case quinoa! This is also a great dish for those of us who can't eat many grains because of the gluten. One, I have yet to try!