Nutty Quinoa and Vegetable Pilaf
Experience the delightful nutty flavor of quinoa, a versatile South American grain that brings a nutritious twist to your meals. Packed with protein and fiber, this vibrant pilaf features sautéed onions, mushrooms, and sweet peas, creating a colorful and wholesome dish perfect for any occasion. Whether served as a side or a hearty main, this quinoa pilaf is a fantastic alternative to traditional rice dishes. This recipe is easily scalable, making it ideal for family gatherings or entertaining guests.
6
Servings
57
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
quinoa
1 cup (rinsed)
onion
1/2 cup (finely diced)
mushrooms
1/2 cup (diced)
garlic clove
1 (minced)
olive oil
2 teaspoons
canned baby peas
1/2 cup
boiling water
2 cups
salt
to taste
pepper
to taste
Instructions
1
Begin by rinsing the quinoa under cold water to remove its natural coating, which can be bitter. This will enhance the nutty flavor.
2
In a medium saucepan, toast the rinsed quinoa over medium heat for about 5 minutes or until it starts to become fragrant and slightly golden. Then, remove the quinoa from the pan and set it aside.
3
Add the olive oil to the same pan. Once hot, add the finely diced onion, diced mushrooms, and minced garlic, stirring occasionally. Sauté for about 4 minutes or until the onions become translucent and the mushrooms are tender.
4
Return the toasted quinoa to the saucepan and pour in the boiling water. Add the canned baby peas and season with salt and pepper to taste.
5
Cover the saucepan with a lid and reduce the heat to low. Allow the mixture to simmer for 15 minutes, or until the quinoa has absorbed all the water and has fluffed up.
6
Once done, remove the lid and gently fluff the quinoa with a fork. Adjust the seasoning if necessary and serve warm.
Nutrition Information
1g
Fat
2g
Protein
1g
Fiber
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Nutty Quinoa and Vegetable Pilaf?
It is a nutritious dish featuring the nutty flavor of quinoa combined with sautéed onions, mushrooms, and sweet peas.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe makes 6 servings.
Is this quinoa pilaf suitable for vegans?
Yes, this recipe is vegan-friendly.
Is this dish gluten-free?
Yes, quinoa is naturally gluten-free, and the other ingredients listed are also gluten-free.
What are the main ingredients needed?
The main ingredients include quinoa, onion, mushrooms, garlic, olive oil, canned baby peas, and boiling water.
How many calories are in one serving?
Each serving contains approximately 57 calories.
Why should I rinse the quinoa before cooking?
Rinsing quinoa removes its natural coating, which can have a bitter taste, and helps enhance its nutty flavor.
How long does it take to toast the quinoa?
You should toast the rinsed quinoa for about 5 minutes or until it becomes fragrant and slightly golden.
What is the fat content per serving?
There is 1 gram of fat per serving.
How much protein is in this recipe?
Each serving provides 2 grams of protein.
How do I prepare the vegetables?
The onion should be finely diced, the mushrooms diced, and the garlic minced.
How long should the quinoa simmer?
The mixture should simmer for 15 minutes or until all the water is absorbed.
Can I use frozen peas instead of canned?
Yes, frozen peas can be used as a substitute for canned baby peas.
What is the cooking liquid ratio?
The recipe uses 2 cups of boiling water for 1 cup of quinoa.
Is this recipe easy to scale?
Yes, this recipe is easily scalable for larger gatherings or entertaining guests.
How much fiber is in a serving?
There is 1 gram of fiber per serving.
Can I serve this as a main dish?
Yes, it is hearty enough to be served as a main dish or a side.
What should I do after the quinoa finishes cooking?
Remove the lid and gently fluff the quinoa with a fork before serving.
How much olive oil is required?
The recipe calls for 2 teaspoons of olive oil.
Can I add other seasonings?
Yes, while the recipe uses salt and pepper, you can adjust seasonings to your personal taste.
How long should I sauté the vegetables?
Sauté the onions, mushrooms, and garlic for about 4 minutes.
What type of quinoa is used?
The recipe calls for standard quinoa, which can be white, red, or tri-color.
What texture should the onions have?
The onions should be sautéed until they become translucent.
Is this recipe considered healthy?
Yes, it is tagged as healthy, nutritious, and a good alternative to traditional rice dishes.
Does this dish contain cholesterol?
Based on the ingredients, this recipe contains no cholesterol.
Can I prepare this in advance?
Yes, quinoa pilaf keeps well and can be reheated for later use.
What is the serving size?
The specific serving size by weight is not listed, but the total recipe yields 6 equal servings.
How many garlic cloves are needed?
One minced garlic clove is required for this recipe.
Does the recipe use cold or hot water?
The recipe specifies using 2 cups of boiling water for the cooking process.
What provides the nutty flavor?
The nutty flavor comes from both the natural profile of the quinoa and the step of toasting it before simmering.