Spiced Apricot & Quinoa Pilaf
This delightful spiced apricot and quinoa pilaf is a harmonious blend of flavors and textures that serves as a healthy side dish or a satisfying vegan main course. The sweetness of apricots and raisins complements the nuttiness of the quinoa, while the warm spices of cinnamon and turmeric create an inviting aroma. Perfect for Thanksgiving or any gathering, this dish is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients, making it an ideal addition to your holiday table or weeknight dinners. You can easily substitute the mixed grains with your favorite variety, such as brown rice, for a customizable experience.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
Mixed quinoa, red lentils & bulgar wheat
1 cup (rinsed and drained)
Chopped apricots
3-6 (dried, chopped)
Raisins
2 tablespoons (optional soak in warm water for 10 minutes)
Cinnamon sticks
3 (whole)
Turmeric
1 teaspoon (ground)
Black pepper
1/3 teaspoon (ground)
Salt
1 teaspoon (to taste)
Cloves
3 (whole)
Olive oil
1 tablespoon
Instructions
1
In a medium pot, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat.
2
Add the mixed grains (quinoa, red lentils, and bulgar wheat) and stir-fry for about 3 minutes until they are lightly toasted.
3
Incorporate the chopped apricots, raisins, and spices (cinnamon sticks, turmeric, black pepper, salt, and cloves) into the pot, stirring to combine all the ingredients.
4
Pour in 2 1/4 cups of hot or boiling water, and bring the mixture to a boil.
5
Once boiling, cover the pot with a lid and reduce the heat to low, allowing it to simmer for 34-45 minutes. Keep an eye on the water absorption to ensure all liquid is absorbed and the grains are cooked through.
6
After the cooking time, remove the pot from the heat and let it sit, covered, for an additional 10 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
7
Fluff the pilaf with a fork before serving. Enjoy hot, or let it cool slightly for a refreshing option.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Spiced Apricot & Quinoa Pilaf?
It is a healthy blend of quinoa, red lentils, and bulgar wheat mixed with dried fruits and warm spices that can be served as a side dish or vegan main course.
Is this recipe vegan?
Yes, the recipe is entirely vegan as it uses plant-based grains, fruits, and olive oil.
What grains are included in the mixed grain base?
The recipe uses a combination of quinoa, red lentils, and bulgar wheat.
Can I substitute the mixed grains?
Yes, you can easily substitute the mixed grains with your favorite variety, such as brown rice.
What type of apricots should I use?
You should use dried apricots that have been chopped into small pieces.
How many apricots are needed?
The recipe calls for between 3 to 6 chopped dried apricots.
Should I soak the raisins before adding them?
Soaking the raisins in warm water for 10 minutes is an optional step to plump them up.
What spices provide the aroma in this pilaf?
The inviting aroma comes from a blend of cinnamon sticks, turmeric, and whole cloves.
How much olive oil is required?
You will need 1 tablespoon of olive oil for toasting the grains.
What is the first step in cooking the grains?
The first step is to heat olive oil in a medium pot and stir-fry the rinsed grains for about 3 minutes until lightly toasted.
Why do I need to toast the grains?
Toasting the grains for a few minutes helps bring out their nuttiness and improves the final texture.
How much water is added to the pot?
You should add 2 1/4 cups of hot or boiling water.
Does the water need to be boiling when added?
Yes, the recipe specifies using hot or boiling water to start the cooking process.
How long does the pilaf need to simmer?
The mixture should simmer on low heat for 34 to 45 minutes.
What should I look for while the grains are simmering?
You should keep an eye on the water absorption to ensure all liquid is absorbed and the grains are fully cooked.
Do I need to let the dish rest after cooking?
Yes, once removed from the heat, let it sit covered for an additional 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
How do I finish the dish before serving?
Fluff the pilaf gently with a fork before serving to separate the grains.
Can this dish be served cold?
Yes, it can be enjoyed hot or allowed to cool slightly for a refreshing alternative option.
Is this recipe suitable for Thanksgiving?
Yes, the warm spices and festive ingredients make it an ideal addition to a holiday table.
What amount of turmeric is used?
The recipe calls for 1 teaspoon of ground turmeric.
Are the cinnamon sticks ground or whole?
The recipe uses 3 whole cinnamon sticks.
How many whole cloves are included?
There are 3 whole cloves used in the spice mix.
Is there any added salt in the recipe?
The recipe suggests adding 1 teaspoon of salt, or adjusting to your personal taste.
Is this pilaf gluten-free?
No, this specific recipe contains bulgar wheat, which is a wheat product containing gluten.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 9 primary ingredients including the grain mix, fruits, oil, and spices.
What is the flavor profile of this dish?
The dish features a harmonious blend of sweet apricots and raisins with nutty grains and warm, aromatic spices.
Does the recipe require a specific type of pot?
A medium pot with a lid is recommended for proper simmering and steam retention.
Can I add more black pepper?
The recipe calls for 1/3 teaspoon of ground black pepper, but you can adjust spices according to your preference.
How do I prepare the grains before cooking?
The mixed quinoa, lentils, and bulgar wheat should be thoroughly rinsed and drained.
Is this a good meal-prep dish?
Yes, because it can be served hot or cold and the flavors meld well over time, it is excellent for make-ahead meals.