Pilaf goes with so many entrees and it’s easy to mix and match the add-ins based on what’s in your cupboard or on your menu! Swapping out quinoa is a great change from a traditional Rice Pilaf.
What is Quinoa Pilaf?
Pilaf is a dish that has a base of rice (or other grains) cooked in broth with seasonings and veggies. In this case we are using quinoa as the grain.
Quinoa tastes delicious and the flavors pair with almost anything. It can easily be enjoyed as a side dish or as a tasty one-pot meal. The veggies and add-ins can be changed to pair with the rest of your meal (or to use up what is on hand). Quinoa pilaf is great for batch cooking or meal prep as it reheats well and can be eaten hot, warm or cold.
Ingredients
QUINOA Use red, black, or regular white quinoa. White quinoa has a softer and fluffier texture, and it absorbs other flavors well. The red or black grains have a bit of crunch to them. VEGETABLES This tasty recipe calls for garlic & onion, celery, carrot, and fresh parsley. It’s colorful and filled with garden-fresh flavor. Add some broccoli florets, spinach, or kale for extra greens! CRANBERRY & ALMOND These add crunch and a touch of tart sweetness. The perfect backdrop to this nutty and savory combination! Swap them out for any nut or dried fruit.
Variations
Try adding coconut milk in place of half the chicken broth, and sprinkle in some curry powder with the onion mixture. (Substitute yellow or sultana raisins for the cranberries, and leave out the almonds). For a vegan version, replace the butter and chicken broth with olive oil and vegetable broth. Or, try making a quinoa version of this tasty recipe for Cilantro Lime Rice! Meat like chicken or shredded beef can be added to it, or it can be used as the base for a salad bowl meal.
How to Cook Quinoa Pilaf
This dish is super easy & quick to prep. Plus it can easily be made into a full one-pot meal; just sauté some meat or tofu to add in at the end!
Leftovers?
Store leftover quinoa pilaf in a sealed container. It will stay fresh in the refrigerator for 5-7 days. If there is meat mixed in, use it up within 4 days. Quinoa pilaf will freeze nicely! Seal it into dated freezer bags, and store it for up to a year. (The sooner it is used, the fresher and more flavorful it will taste!)
Our Fave Fresh Salads
Greek Quinoa Salad – perfect make-ahead dish Mediterranean Farro Salad – so colorful Barley Salad – loaded with fresh veggies Farro Pilaf – easy yet elegant Harvest Farro Salad – filling & flavorful
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