Spiced Chickpea and Quinoa Pilaf
This vibrant Spiced Chickpea and Quinoa Pilaf is a nourishing and aromatic dish that brings together the wholesome goodness of quinoa and protein-packed chickpeas. The quinoa absorbs a medley of spices, creating a rich flavor profile enhanced by sautéed onions and garlic. With the convenience of canned chickpeas, this dish is not only easy to prepare but also versatile—feel free to substitute with your favorite legumes. Perfect as a side dish or as a light main course, this Vegan Pilaf is sure to satisfy your taste buds and keep you coming back for more!
N/A
Servings
80
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
olive oil
2 tablespoons
yellow onion
1 small (about 1 cup, finely chopped) (chopped finely)
garlic cloves
2 (minced)
ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon
coriander seed
1 tablespoon (crushed (using a spice grinder or mortar and pestle))
black pepper
to taste (freshly ground)
salt
1/2 teaspoon
tomato paste
1 tablespoon
quinoa
1 cup (rinsed well)
chickpeas
1 (15 ounce) can (drained and rinsed (or 2 cups cooked))
vegetable broth
2 cups (or reconstituted bullion)
Instructions
1
In a medium-sized stockpot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté for about 7 minutes until softened and translucent.
2
Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 2 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
3
Add the tomato paste, crushed coriander seeds, ground cumin, black pepper, and salt to the pot. Sauté the mixture for another minute, stirring constantly to release the spices' aromas.
4
Introduce the rinsed quinoa to the pot and sauté for 2 minutes, ensuring each grain is coated with the flavorful mixture.
5
Next, add the drained and rinsed chickpeas along with the vegetable broth. Stir to combine and bring the mixture to a boil.
6
Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for about 18 minutes or until the quinoa has completely absorbed the liquid. Remember to stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
7
Once cooked, fluff the pilaf with a fork and serve warm, garnished with fresh herbs if desired.
Nutrition Information
2g
Fat
12g
Carbs
3g
Protein
2g
Fiber
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Spiced Chickpea and Quinoa Pilaf?
It is a nourishing and aromatic vegan dish that combines protein-packed chickpeas with quinoa, flavored with a medley of spices, onions, and garlic.
Is this recipe suitable for a vegan diet?
Yes, this Spiced Chickpea and Quinoa Pilaf is completely vegan and plant-based.
Is the pilaf gluten-free?
Yes, the recipe is naturally gluten-free as it uses quinoa and chickpeas as its primary components.
How many calories are in one serving of this pilaf?
There are approximately 80 calories per serving of this dish.
How much protein does this recipe provide?
Each serving contains 3 grams of protein.
What are the main spices used in this recipe?
The dish is flavored with ground cumin, crushed coriander seeds, salt, and black pepper.
How long should I sauté the onions?
The finely chopped yellow onion should be sautéed for about 7 minutes until softened and translucent.
Do I need to rinse the quinoa?
Yes, the instructions specify using 1 cup of quinoa that has been rinsed well.
Can I use dried chickpeas instead of canned?
Yes, you can use 2 cups of cooked chickpeas instead of one 15-ounce can.
How much vegetable broth is required?
The recipe calls for 2 cups of vegetable broth or reconstituted bouillon.
What is the fat content per serving?
There are 2 grams of fat per serving.
How long does the quinoa take to simmer?
The quinoa needs to simmer for about 18 minutes or until the liquid is completely absorbed.
What type of onion is recommended?
The recipe recommends using one small yellow onion, which is about 1 cup when finely chopped.
How much garlic should I add?
You should add 2 minced garlic cloves to the dish.
How many carbohydrates are in a serving?
There are 12 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
Can this dish be served as a main course?
Yes, it is versatile enough to be served as either a side dish or a light main course.
How much fiber is in the Spiced Chickpea and Quinoa Pilaf?
There are 2 grams of fiber per serving.
What is the role of tomato paste in this recipe?
Tomato paste is sautéed with the spices to help create a rich flavor profile for the pilaf.
How should I prepare the coriander seeds?
You should crush 1 tablespoon of coriander seeds using a spice grinder or a mortar and pestle.
Do I need to sauté the quinoa before adding liquid?
Yes, sauté the rinsed quinoa for 2 minutes to ensure each grain is coated with the oil and spice mixture.
Can I substitute the chickpeas with other legumes?
Yes, you can feel free to substitute the chickpeas with your favorite legumes.
What should I do after the quinoa is cooked?
Once cooked, you should fluff the pilaf with a fork and serve it warm.
Is this recipe considered easy to make?
Yes, it is described as an easy recipe with convenient ingredients like canned chickpeas.
What temperature should I use to simmer the dish?
After bringing the mixture to a boil, you should reduce the heat to low and cover the pot.
Should I stir the pilaf while it simmers?
Yes, it is recommended to stir occasionally while simmering to prevent the quinoa from sticking to the pot.
Are there any garnish recommendations?
The recipe suggests garnishing with fresh herbs if desired.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are a total of 11 ingredients used in this recipe.
How much olive oil is needed?
The recipe requires 2 tablespoons of olive oil.
How much salt is used?
The recipe calls for 1/2 teaspoon of salt.
Is this dish considered comfort food?
Yes, one of the tags for this recipe is comfort food.