Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
Plate of healthy, Green Quinoa Pilaf with fresh herbs and aromatic vegetables.

GREEN QUINOA PILAF


Description

This Green Quinoa Pilaf is an easy, healthy side dish that packs a punch of flavor.  Double the recipe so that you have extra for lunches all week.


Ingredients

Scale

1 cup quinoa

2 cups vegetable stock

1 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon white pepper

2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

1 leek, white and green parts, halved, cleaned, and sliced very thin

½ green bell pepper, finely minced

1 tablespoon fresh garlic, finely minced

1 tablespoon fresh mint, very finely minced

1 tablespoon fresh chives, very finely minced

2 tablespoons fresh basil, very finely minced

1 avocado, chopped (reserve a few pieces as a garnish)

Juice of 1 lime

Extra virgin olive oil to drizzle


Instructions

In a fine-mesh sieve, rinse the quinoa in cold water until the water runs clear.

In a medium pot, bring the vegetable stock to a boil.  Add the salt, white pepper, and quinoa.

Bring the liquid back to a boil.  Cover and reduce the heat to a simmer.

Cook for 15 minutes or until the quinoa is tender.

Remove the pot from the heat.

Drain the quinoa through a fine-mesh strainer.

Return the quinoa to the pot.  Cover the pot with a clean dish towel and return the lid over the dishtowel.  Allow the quinoa to rest for 15 minutes.

Meanwhile, heat 1 tablespoon of the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-low heat.

Add the leek, garlic, and green pepper. Stir, cooking until the leeks are fragrant and translucent – about 5 minutes.

Stir in the mint, chives, and basil.  Cook, stirring constantly until the herbs are wilted – about 2 minutes.

Remove from the heat and fold in the quinoa

Stir in the avocado and the lime juice.

Taste and adjust seasonings for salt and pepper.

Garnish with basil leaves, a few pieces of chopped fresh avocado, and a light drizzle of extra virgin olive oil.

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Side Dish
  • Method: Saute
  • Cuisine: American

Keywords: green quinoa pilaf, healthy side dish, side dish recipes, side dish, quinoa, quinoa recipes, healthy lunches,