Colorful Vegetable Quinoa Pilaf
Elevate your dining experience with this vibrant and nutritious Colorful Vegetable Quinoa Pilaf. Combining the nutty flavor of quinoa with an array of fresh vegetables and aromatic herbs, this dish is not only a feast for the eyes but also packed with wholesome goodness. Perfect as a side dish or a light main course, this pilaf is a versatile addition to any meal. Enjoy the delightful blend of textures and flavors, making it an excellent choice for health-conscious eaters and vegetable lovers alike. Share this delightful recipe with friends and family for a nutritious and satisfying experience!
6
Servings
176
Calories
14
Ingredients
Ingredients
quinoa
1 cup (uncooked, rinsed with cold water)
canned chicken broth
1 3/4 cups (undiluted)
olive oil
2 teaspoons (for sautéing)
leeks
2 medium (finely chopped (use white portion only))
red bell pepper
1/4 cup (chopped)
yellow bell pepper
1/4 cup (chopped)
green bell pepper
1/4 cup (chopped)
carrot
3/4 cup (finely chopped)
celery
1/2 cup (finely chopped)
minced garlic
2 teaspoons (fresh)
parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons (freshly grated)
salt
1/4 teaspoon (to taste)
black pepper
1/4 teaspoon (freshly ground, to taste)
fresh parsley
1/4 cup (chopped for garnish)
Instructions
1
Begin by rinsing the uncooked quinoa under cold water to remove any bitterness; drain thoroughly.
2
In a medium saucepan, combine the rinsed quinoa and the undiluted chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat.
3
Once boiling, cover the saucepan, reduce the heat to low, and let it simmer for about 15 minutes, or until the quinoa is cooked through and the liquid is absorbed.
4
While the quinoa is cooking, heat the olive oil in a medium skillet over medium-high heat.
5
Add the finely chopped leeks, red, yellow, and green bell peppers, carrots, and celery to the skillet. Sauté the vegetables for about 6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they become tender.
6
Stir in the minced garlic and continue to cook for an additional 1 minute, allowing the garlic to become fragrant.
7
Once the quinoa is ready, add the vegetable mixture to the cooked quinoa in the saucepan. Stir well to combine.
8
Incorporate the freshly grated parmesan cheese, salt, and freshly ground pepper into the mixture. Adjust seasonings to your taste.
9
Finally, sprinkle the pilaf with fresh chopped parsley for a burst of color and flavor before serving.
Nutrition Information
4.7g
Fat
5.8g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Colorful Vegetable Quinoa Pilaf?
It is a nutritious dish combining nutty quinoa with a variety of fresh vegetables like leeks, bell peppers, carrots, and celery, flavored with aromatic herbs and parmesan cheese.
How many calories are in one serving?
Each serving contains 176 calories.
What is the protein content per serving?
This recipe provides 5.8g of protein per serving.
How much fat is in each serving?
There are 4.7g of fat per serving.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe yields 6 servings.
Is the recipe gluten-free?
Yes, this recipe is specifically tagged as gluten-free.
Is the recipe vegetarian?
The recipe is tagged as vegetarian; however, ensure you use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth to meet strict vegetarian requirements.
What vegetables are included?
The vegetables include leeks, red bell peppers, yellow bell peppers, green bell peppers, carrots, and celery.
Why should I rinse the quinoa?
Rinsing the uncooked quinoa under cold water helps to remove any natural bitterness before cooking.
What liquid is used for cooking the quinoa?
The quinoa is cooked in 1 3/4 cups of undiluted canned chicken broth.
How long do I simmer the quinoa?
Simmer the quinoa for about 15 minutes, or until it is cooked through and the liquid is absorbed.
Which part of the leeks is used?
Use 2 medium leeks, finely chopped, using the white portion only.
What oil is recommended for sautéing?
The recipe calls for 2 teaspoons of olive oil.
How long should I sauté the vegetables?
Sauté the vegetables for about 6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they become tender.
When do I add the garlic?
Add the minced garlic after the other vegetables have sautéed for 6 minutes, then cook for 1 more minute.
Is cheese included in this dish?
Yes, the recipe includes 2 tablespoons of freshly grated parmesan cheese.
How is the dish seasoned?
It is seasoned with 1/4 teaspoon of salt and 1/4 teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper, or adjusted to taste.
What garnish is used?
The dish is sprinkled with 1/4 cup of fresh chopped parsley for a burst of color and flavor.
What food category does this recipe fall into?
This recipe is categorized under Grains.
Can this be served as a main dish?
Yes, it is versatile enough to be served as either a side dish or a light main course.
How should the carrots be prepared?
The carrots should be finely chopped, totaling 3/4 cup.
How much garlic is needed?
The recipe requires 2 teaspoons of fresh minced garlic.
What types of bell peppers are used?
The recipe uses 1/4 cup each of chopped red, yellow, and green bell peppers.
How are the vegetables and quinoa combined?
Once the quinoa is ready, the sautéed vegetable mixture is added to the saucepan and stirred well to combine.
Should the quinoa be covered while cooking?
Yes, after bringing the broth and quinoa to a boil, cover the saucepan and reduce the heat to low.
What is the quantity of quinoa required?
You will need 1 cup of uncooked quinoa.
Is this recipe considered simple to make?
Yes, it is tagged as an easy recipe suitable for any level of cook.
Is this dish considered healthy?
Yes, it is described as a healthy, nutritious, and wholesome choice for vegetable lovers.
What is the texture of the pilaf?
The pilaf offers a delightful blend of nutty quinoa and tender-crisp sautéed vegetables.
How much celery is required?
The recipe calls for 1/2 cup of finely chopped celery.