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For this dish, you need 1 cup of quinoa. Rinse it well under cold water. This step removes any bitterness. You will use a mix of colorful veggies. Gather the following: - 1 medium onion, finely chopped - 4 cloves of garlic, minced - 1 carrot, diced - 1 red bell pepper, diced - 1 cup of frozen peas These vegetables add flavor and nutrition. To bring out the taste, you will need: - 3 tablespoons of olive oil - 1 teaspoon of lemon zest - 2 tablespoons of fresh lemon juice - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish The lemon zest and juice brighten the dish. The parsley adds a nice touch at the end. {{ingredient_image_1}} First, take 1 cup of rinsed quinoa. Rinse it well under cold water to remove any bitterness. In a saucepan, bring 2 cups of vegetable broth to a boil. Add the quinoa and cover the pan. Lower the heat and let it simmer for 15 minutes. The quinoa should absorb all the liquid. After cooking, remove it from heat and let it sit for 5 minutes. Fluff the quinoa with a fork before serving. In a large skillet, heat 3 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add 1 medium chopped onion. Sauté it until it turns translucent, which takes about 3 to 4 minutes. Next, stir in 4 minced garlic cloves. Cook for another 1 to 2 minutes. You want the garlic to smell great but not burn. Then, add 1 diced carrot and 1 diced red bell pepper. Sauté these vegetables for 5 minutes until they start to soften. After that, mix in 1 cup of frozen peas. Cook for another 2 to 3 minutes, stirring every so often. Now, it’s time to mix everything together. Fold the cooked quinoa into the skillet with the sautéed vegetables. Add 1 teaspoon of lemon zest and 2 tablespoons of fresh lemon juice. Stir everything well to combine. Don’t forget to season with salt and pepper to taste. Finally, remove the skillet from heat and garnish with fresh chopped parsley before serving. Enjoy your flavorful Lemon Garlic Quinoa Pilaf! To make fluffy quinoa, start with rinsed grains. Rinsing helps remove the bitter coating. Use a ratio of 1 cup quinoa to 2 cups broth. This gives great flavor and moisture. Bring the broth to a boil before adding quinoa. Cover and reduce heat to a simmer. Let it cook for about 15 minutes. Once the liquid is gone, let it sit for 5 minutes. Finally, fluff it with a fork for perfect texture. You can easily boost flavor with extra ingredients. Try adding herbs like thyme or basil. Fresh herbs add brightness and depth. You can also include nuts or seeds for crunch. Toasted almonds or pine nuts work well. For a kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes. These small changes make a big difference in taste. If you are short on time, there are quick options. Use a rice cooker or Instant Pot for cooking quinoa. It saves time and effort. You can also prepare the veggies ahead of time. Chop them on the weekend and store in the fridge. This way, you can quickly sauté them after cooking quinoa. Keep it simple and delicious even on busy nights. Pro Tips Rinse Your Quinoa: Always rinse quinoa under cold water before cooking to remove its natural coating, called saponin, which can impart a bitter taste. Customize Your Veggies: Feel free to substitute or add your favorite vegetables. Zucchini, spinach, or mushrooms can be great additions! Make It Ahead: This pilaf can be made in advance and stored in the fridge for up to 4 days. It also freezes well for up to a month! Boost the Flavor: For an extra flavor punch, consider adding a splash of white wine to the vegetable sauté process before adding the quinoa. {{image_2}} You can boost the protein in Lemon Garlic Quinoa Pilaf easily. Think about adding cooked chicken, shrimp, or tofu. Each choice pairs well with the flavors. For chicken, use shredded rotisserie chicken. For shrimp, just sauté them until they turn pink. If you choose tofu, press it first, then cube and sauté until golden. This adds texture and keeps your meal filling. Good news! Quinoa is already gluten-free. This dish is safe for gluten-sensitive diets. If you use vegetable broth, check the label to ensure no gluten is present. You can also add gluten-free sauces for extra flavor. Tamari is a great choice if you want a soy sauce option. You can change the flavor of this pilaf with herbs and spices. Fresh herbs like basil or dill can brighten the dish. For a spicy kick, add red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper. You can also try smoked paprika for a deeper flavor. Mixing in a teaspoon of cumin or curry powder gives an interesting twist. Experiment to find your favorite blend! After you make Lemon Garlic Quinoa Pilaf, let it cool down. Place leftovers in an airtight container. Store them in the fridge for up to three days. Make sure to label the container with the date. To reheat, you can use a microwave or a stove. If using a microwave, place the pilaf in a bowl. Add a splash of water to keep it moist. Heat it for one to two minutes, stirring halfway through. If using a stove, put the pilaf in a skillet over low heat. Stir it often until it warms up. You can freeze this pilaf for later. First, let it cool completely. Then, pack it in a freezer-safe container. It can last up to three months in the freezer. When you're ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight. Reheat as mentioned above. Yes, you can make Lemon Garlic Quinoa Pilaf in advance. Cooked quinoa keeps well in the fridge. Store it in an airtight container for up to five days. When you are ready to eat, just reheat it on the stove or in the microwave. If you need a substitute for quinoa, you have options. Rice is a simple choice. You can also use couscous or farro. Each grain has a different texture and taste, so pick what you enjoy most. Yes, this recipe is vegan-friendly. All the ingredients come from plants. You use vegetable broth, olive oil, and fresh veggies. This dish is perfect for those who follow a vegan diet. To add spice, consider using red pepper flakes. You can also add diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce. Adjust the amount based on your heat tolerance. This way, you can make your pilaf as spicy as you like! You can create a tasty and easy Lemon Garlic Quinoa Pilaf with the right ingredients. We discussed quinoa, fresh veggies, and how seasonings bring flavor to the dish. I provided simple steps for prepping, sautéing, and combining the ingredients. You learned tips for perfect quinoa and ways to add proteins or flavors. Remember, you can store leftovers and even freeze them for quick meals. This recipe is flexible and fits many diets. Explore variations to match your taste. Enjoy your cooking!

Lemon Garlic Quinoa Pilaf

A flavorful and healthy quinoa dish with lemon and garlic, perfect as a side or main course.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Mediterranean
Servings 4
Calories 250 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup quinoa, rinsed
  • 2 cups vegetable broth
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 medium carrot, diced
  • 1 medium red bell pepper, diced
  • 1 cup frozen peas
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • for garnish fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions
 

  • In a saucepan, bring the vegetable broth to a boil. Add the rinsed quinoa, cover, and reduce to a simmer for 15 minutes or until all the liquid is absorbed. Remove from heat and let it sit covered for 5 minutes, then fluff with a fork.
  • In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
  • Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
  • Add the diced carrot and red bell pepper, and sauté for another 5 minutes until they begin to soften.
  • Add the frozen peas and continue to cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  • Fold the cooked quinoa into the skillet with the sautéed vegetables.
  • Add the lemon zest and lemon juice, mixing everything thoroughly. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  • Remove from heat and garnish with fresh chopped parsley before serving.

Notes

Feel free to add other vegetables or herbs as desired.
Keyword healthy, lemon, pilaf, quinoa, vegetarian