Quinoa Vegetable Pilaf
Quinoa Vegetable Pilaf is a colorful, nourishing dish that combines fluffy quinoa with a medley of fresh vegetables. This easy-to-make recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings, offering a delightful blend of flavors and textures that will impress your family and friends. With its vibrant colors and aromatic spices, this pilaf is not only visually appealing but also packed with nutrients, making it a fantastic addition to any meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
- Category: Main
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup quinoa, rinsed
- 1 medium zucchini, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 2 medium carrots, diced
- 1 small yellow onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups low-sodium vegetable broth
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp paprika
- Fresh parsley or cilantro for garnish
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Sauté the chopped onion until translucent (about 5 minutes).
- Add minced garlic and cook until golden brown (about 1 minute).
- Stir in diced zucchini, red bell pepper, and carrots. Cook until slightly softened (5-7 minutes).
- Add rinsed quinoa to the pan and toast lightly for about 2 minutes.
- Pour in vegetable broth along with cumin and paprika. Bring to a boil then reduce heat to low.
- Cover and simmer for 15 minutes or until quinoa absorbs all liquid. Fluff with a fork and garnish with fresh herbs before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (200g)
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 230mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: Feel free to customize this recipe by adding your favorite vegetables or nuts for extra crunch. For added flavor, try incorporating fresh herbs like basil or dill.