Moroccan carrot and quinoa pilaf

Delight in the exotic flavors of Moroccan cuisine with this easy-to-make Moroccan Carrot and Quinoa Pilaf. Featuring a rich blend of olive oil, butter, succulent raisins, and crunchy pistachio nuts, this dish is heightened by a vibrant spice mix and complemented with red onion, nutritious quinoa, and a splash of chicken gravy. Perfect as a wholesome main or a hearty side, this pilaf is a fantastic way to bring global flavors to your table!

  • 08 Jun 2024
  • Cook time 25 min
  • Prep time 10 min
  • 4 Servings
  • 9 Ingredients

Moroccan carrot and quinoa pilaf

Moroccan carrot and quinoa pilaf is a delightful dish that combines the earthy and hearty flavors of quinoa with the sweetness of carrots and raisins, complemented with a mix of aromatic spices and the crunch of pistachio nuts. This dish is not only nutritious but also pleasing to the palate, making it a perfect addition to your meal repertoire.

Ingredients:

2 tbsp olive oil
27g
1 tbsp butter
16g
1/3 cup raisins
60g
1/3 cup pistachio nuts
50g
2 tbsp spice mix
30g
1 red onion
160g
1 cup quinoa
230g
1/2 cup chicken gravy
100g
1 carrot
60g

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Ingredients:
- Finely chop the red onion.
- Roughly chop the pistachio nuts.
- Grate the carrot.
- Rinse the quinoa under cold water until the water runs clear.
2. Heat the Oil and Butter:
- In a large saucepan, heat the olive oil and butter over medium heat until the butter is melted and starts to foam.
3. Sauté the Onions:
- Add the finely chopped red onion to the pan and sauté for about 5 minutes, or until they are soft and translucent.
4. Add the Spice Mix:
- Stir in the Moroccan spice mix and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
5. Cook the Quinoa:
- Add the rinsed quinoa to the pan and stir to coat it in the spices and oil.
- Pour in the chicken gravy and enough water to cover the quinoa (about 1 1/2 cups more).
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for about 15-20 minutes, or until the quinoa is cooked and the liquid is absorbed.
6. Prepare the Pilaf:
- Once the quinoa is done cooking, remove the lid and fluff the quinoa with a fork.
- Gently stir in the grated carrot, raisins, and chopped pistachio nuts.

7. Serve:
- Taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary.
- Serve the Moroccan carrot and quinoa pilaf warm, either as a main dish or a side dish.

Tips:

- Toast the quinoa before boiling it to enhance its nutty flavor.

- Soak the raisins in warm water for 10 minutes before adding them to the dish to make them plumper and juicier.

- Finely chop or grate the carrot for a uniform texture and even cooking.

- Add the spice mix gradually and taste as you go to adjust the seasoning to your preference.

- Roast the pistachio nuts lightly to bring out their natural oils and intensify their flavor.

- Use vegetable broth instead of chicken gravy for a vegetarian version of this dish.

- Garnish with fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley for an added burst of freshness.

This Moroccan carrot and quinoa pilaf is a delectable and nourishing dish that is both simple to prepare and packed with flavors. The combination of spices, nuts, and sweetness from the raisins brings about a well-balanced meal that will surely become a favorite. Enjoy this flavorful pilaf as a main course or as a vibrant side dish.

Nutrition Facts
Serving Size180 grams
Energy
Calories 250kcal10%
Protein
Protein 6g4%
Carbohydrates
Carbohydrates 33g10%
Fiber 4.88g13%
Sugar 14g14%
Fat
Fat 18g20%
Saturated 3.68g12%
Cholesterol 10mg-
Vitamins
Vitamin A 160ug17%
Choline 30mg5%
Vitamin B1 0.20mg16%
Vitamin B2 0.14mg11%
Vitamin B3 0.79mg5%
Vitamin B6 0.31mg18%
Vitamin B9 44ug11%
Vitamin B12 0.00ug0%
Vitamin C 4.84mg5%
Vitamin E 0.78mg5%
Vitamin K 4.71ug4%
Minerals
Calcium, Ca 45mg4%
Copper, Cu 0.35mg0%
Iron, Fe 1.79mg16%
Magnesium, Mg 60mg15%
Phosphorus, P 190mg15%
Potassium, K 470mg14%
Selenium, Se 3.25ug6%
Sodium, Na 120mg8%
Zinc, Zn 1.10mg10%
Water
Water 120g-
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2500 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

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