Best 2 Spicy Quinoa Pilaf Recipes

Seeking a delightful blend of flavors and textures? Look no further than spicy quinoa pilaf, a delectable dish that tantalizes your taste buds with every bite. This vibrant recipe combines the nutty goodness of quinoa with an array of aromatic spices, creating a symphony of flavors that will leave you craving more. Whether you're a seasoned chef or a novice in the kitchen, this comprehensive guide will walk you through the steps of creating this culinary masterpiece, ensuring a successful and satisfying cooking experience.

Here are our top 2 tried and tested recipes!

SPICY QUINOA AND SPINACH PULAO (PILAF)

Spicy Quinoa and Spinach Pulao (Pilaf) image

This spicy quinoa pulao with Indian flavors is made with quinoa rather than rice for added protein!

Provided by charisma

Categories Side Dish Grain Side Dish Recipes

Time 35m

Yield 4

Number Of Ingredients 17

Ingredients

2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon cumin seeds (jeera)
2 teaspoons minced garlic
1 ½ teaspoons ground cumin (jeera)
1 ½ teaspoons ground coriander (dhana)
1 ½ teaspoons chile powder
1 teaspoon minced ginger
¾ teaspoon minced Thai chile pepper
¼ teaspoon pav bhaji masala
¼ teaspoon ground turmeric (haldi)
1 yellow onion, diced
1 ½ vine-ripened tomatoes, diced
4 cups finely chopped fresh spinach
3 cups water
1 ½ cups uncooked quinoa
1 cup chopped fresh cilantro, or to taste
1 lemon, cut into wedges

Steps:

Heat olive oil in a large wok over medium heat. Add cumin seeds and let sizzle for 30 seconds. Add garlic, ground cumin, coriander, chile powder, ginger, chile pepper, pav bhaji masala, and turmeric; saute until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Stir in onion; saute until translucent, about 5 minutes. Stir in tomatoes and cook until the tomato smell goes away. Mix in spinach; cook until wilted, 2 to 3 minutes.
Pour water and quinoa into the wok. Bring to a simmer; cook, stirring occasionally, until water is absorbed, 8 to 12 minutes. Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro and lemon wedges.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 354 calories, Carbohydrate 54.7 g, Fat 11.5 g, Fiber 9 g, Protein 12 g, SaturatedFat 1.5 g, Sodium 46.6 mg, Sugar 4.2 g

SPICY QUINOA PILAF

SPICY QUINOA PILAF image

Categories Side Sauté Low Fat Quick & Easy Wheat/Gluten-Free Stuffing/Dressing Winter

Yield 8 people

Number Of Ingredients 20

Ingredients

1.5 c quinoa
3 cups chicken broth (organic, fat free)
1 tbsp organic butter
1/2 yellow onion, chopped fine
1/2 purple onion, chopped fine
1/2 fennel bulb, chopped fine
2 tbsp chopped garlic
1 grated carrot
1/2 t salt
2 tsp yellow curry
2 tsp thyme
2 tbsp lemon juice
juice of 1/2 lime
lime zest - 1/2 lime
1 tbsp crushed red pepper
1 tsp black pepper
2 tsp honey
1 tbsp ground ginger
1/2 cup crasins
1 tbsp mustard

Steps:

melt butter in saute pan, place chopped veggies in pan with butter and saute till soft and lightly brown. Add spices, and saute 1 minute. Then add broth and rinsed quinoa, let cook until soft about 20 min, and then add crasins about 5 minutes until the end.

Tips:

Use a good quality quinoa. Organic quinoa is best, as it is grown without the use of pesticides or herbicides.
Rinse the quinoa thoroughly before cooking. This will remove any saponins, which are bitter-tasting compounds that can coat the quinoa.
Toast the quinoa before cooking. This will give it a nutty flavor and make it more digestible.
Use a flavorful broth or stock to cook the quinoa. This will add flavor to the pilaf.
Add vegetables, herbs, and spices to taste. This will make the pilaf more flavorful and nutritious.
Fluff the quinoa with a fork before serving. This will help to separate the grains and make the pilaf light and fluffy.

Conclusion:

Spicy quinoa pilaf is a delicious and healthy side dish that can be served with a variety of meals. It is easy to make and can be tailored to your own taste preferences. With its vibrant flavors and textures, this pilaf is sure to be a hit with your family and friends. So next time you are looking for a healthy and flavorful side dish, give spicy quinoa pilaf a try!