Savory Lacinato Kale & Quinoa Pilaf
This delightful Savory Lacinato Kale & Quinoa Pilaf is not only a feast for the senses but also a powerhouse of nutrition. Inspired by the beloved recipe from food52.com by member 'deensiebat', this dish brings together the robust flavors of lacinato kale with the nutty texture of quinoa for a satisfying vegan option. The addition of zesty Meyer lemon brightens the dish, while toasted nuts and creamy goat cheese provide an irresistible contrast. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or as a side for your next gathering, this one-pot wonder ensures minimal cleanup without sacrificing flavor or nutrition.
4
Servings
145
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
Salted water
2 cups (none)
Quinoa
1 cup (rinsed and drained)
Lacinato kale
1 bunch (washed and chopped into 1-inch lengths)
Meyer lemon
1 (zested and juiced)
Scallions
2 (minced)
Toasted walnut oil
1 tablespoon (none)
Toasted pine nuts
3 tablespoons (none)
Crumbled goat cheese
1/4 cup (or feta cheese)
Salt & pepper
to taste (none)
Instructions
1
In a large covered pot, bring 2 cups of salted water to a rolling boil.
2
Add 1 cup of rinsed quinoa to the boiling water. Cover the pot and reduce heat to low, letting it simmer for about 10 minutes.
3
After 10 minutes, add the chopped lacinato kale on top of the quinoa without stirring, keeping the pot covered. Allow it to cook for an additional 5 minutes.
4
After the total cooking time, remove from heat and let the pot sit, still covered, for another 5 minutes to steam. This will ensure the kale is tender and the quinoa fluffy.
5
While the quinoa and kale are cooking, prepare a large serving bowl. Combine half of the Meyer lemon juice, the zest, minced scallions, walnut oil, toasted pine nuts, and crumbled goat cheese.
6
Once cooking is complete, check to make sure the quinoa is tender and the kale is bright green. If the quinoa has a hard white center, continue cooking for an additional minute or two, adding a splash of water if necessary.
7
Fluff the quinoa and kale mixture with a fork, then transfer it to the bowl with the other ingredients. Toss gently to combine, and season with salt, pepper, and the remaining lemon juice to taste.
Nutrition Information
7.5g
Fat
15g
Carbs
4.5g
Protein
2.5g
Fiber
190mg
Sodium
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Savory Lacinato Kale & Quinoa Pilaf?
It is a nutritious one-pot dish combining robust lacinato kale, nutty quinoa, zesty Meyer lemon, and creamy goat cheese.
How many servings does this recipe produce?
This recipe yields 4 servings.
What is the calorie count per serving?
Each serving contains approximately 145 calories.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, the recipe is naturally gluten-free as it uses quinoa and fresh vegetables.
Can this recipe be made vegan?
Yes, simply omit the goat cheese or use a plant-based cheese alternative to make it fully vegan.
What type of kale is used in this pilaf?
Lacinato kale, also known as dinosaur kale or Tuscan kale, is used for its robust flavor.
How do I prepare the quinoa?
The quinoa should be rinsed and drained before being added to boiling salted water.
How long should the quinoa simmer alone?
The quinoa should simmer on low heat for about 10 minutes before adding the kale.
When do I add the lacinato kale?
Add the chopped kale on top of the quinoa after the quinoa has simmered for 10 minutes.
Should I stir the kale into the quinoa immediately?
No, place the kale on top without stirring and keep the pot covered for the additional cooking time.
How long does the kale cook?
The kale cooks on top of the quinoa for an additional 5 minutes.
What is the final steaming step?
After cooking, remove the pot from heat and let it sit covered for another 5 minutes to ensure tenderness.
What are the ingredients in the dressing?
The dressing includes Meyer lemon juice, zest, minced scallions, and toasted walnut oil.
What kind of nuts are used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for 3 tablespoons of toasted pine nuts.
What can I use if I don't have goat cheese?
Feta cheese is a great substitute for goat cheese in this dish.
How much sodium is in one serving?
There is 190mg of sodium per serving.
What is the protein content of this meal?
Each serving provides 4.5g of protein.
How many carbohydrates are in a serving?
There are 15g of carbohydrates per serving.
Does this dish contain dietary fiber?
Yes, it provides 2.5g of fiber per serving.
What is the total fat content?
There is 7.5g of fat per serving.
How should I prepare the scallions?
The scallions should be finely minced before being added to the serving bowl.
How should the kale be cut?
The kale should be washed and chopped into 1-inch lengths.
What is special about Meyer lemons?
Meyer lemons are slightly sweeter and less acidic than regular lemons, providing a bright citrus flavor.
How do I know if the quinoa is finished cooking?
The quinoa is done when it is tender and no longer has a hard white center.
What if the quinoa is still hard after the allotted time?
Continue cooking for 1-2 minutes and add a small splash of water if the pot is dry.
Can this recipe be used for meal prep?
Yes, it is tagged as an excellent recipe for meal prep and can be enjoyed hot or cold.
What oil is recommended?
Toasted walnut oil is recommended for its deep, nutty aroma.
Is this a one-pot recipe?
Yes, the primary cooking happens in one large covered pot for easy cleanup.
How is the final dish assembled?
The cooked quinoa and kale are fluffed and tossed into a bowl containing the lemon, oil, scallions, nuts, and cheese.
What is the source of the recipe inspiration?
The recipe was inspired by food52.com member 'deensiebat'.