Quinoa Vegetable Pilaf (Printer-Friendly)

Fluffy quinoa mixed with tender roasted seasonal vegetables and fresh herbs, ready in under an hour.

# What You'll Need:

→ Grains

01 - 1 cup quinoa, rinsed
02 - 2 cups vegetable broth or water

→ Vegetables

03 - 1 small red bell pepper, diced
04 - 1 small zucchini, diced
05 - 1 small carrot, peeled and diced
06 - 1 small red onion, diced
07 - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
08 - 2 tablespoons olive oil

→ Aromatics & Seasonings

09 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
10 - 1 teaspoon ground cumin
11 - 1 teaspoon dried thyme
12 - 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
13 - Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

→ Fresh Herbs & Finish

14 - 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
15 - 2 tablespoons chopped fresh mint, optional
16 - Juice of 1/2 lemon

# Directions:

01 - Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
02 - On a large baking sheet, toss bell pepper, zucchini, carrot, red onion, and cherry tomatoes with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
03 - Roast vegetables in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes, stirring once, until golden and tender.
04 - Combine rinsed quinoa and vegetable broth in a medium saucepan. Bring to a boil, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes or until liquid is absorbed. Remove from heat and let stand, covered, for 5 minutes.
05 - Fluff quinoa with a fork.
06 - In a large skillet, heat a drizzle of olive oil over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Stir in cumin, thyme, and smoked paprika.
07 - Add cooked quinoa and roasted vegetables to the skillet. Toss gently to combine and warm through.
08 - Remove from heat. Add parsley, mint if using, and lemon juice. Toss well and adjust seasoning as needed.
09 - Serve warm or at room temperature.

# Expert Suggestions:

01 -
  • Nutritious and Balanced: Each serving provides 265 calories, 7g of protein, and is packed with fiber from fresh vegetables.
  • Dietary Friendly: This recipe is naturally vegetarian, gluten-free, and dairy-free, containing no common allergens.
  • Versatile: It works beautifully as a satisfying main dish or a hearty side for various proteins.
  • Easy Preparation: With simple roasting and simmering techniques, it is accessible for cooks of all levels.
02 -
  • Rinse Well: Always rinse the quinoa to ensure a clean, nutty flavor without any bitterness.
  • Steam for Fluffiness: Letting the quinoa sit covered for 5 minutes after cooking is essential for the best texture.
  • Freshness Factor: Use fresh lemon juice and herbs just before serving to keep the flavors bright and vibrant.
  • Spice Check: Always check your spice and broth labels for hidden allergens if you have specific dietary sensitivities.
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