Quinoa pilaf with carrot and celery
Discover a delightful and healthy Quinoa Pilaf recipe featuring nutty quinoa, aromatic fennel, crisp celery, sweet carrot, and tender onions all simmered together to perfection. This easy-to-make, nutritious dish makes the perfect side or vegetarian main course, bringing vibrant flavors and wholesome goodness to your table.
Cook time 25 min
Prep time 10 min
Ingredients:
1 bulb fennel1 cup quinoa
1 stalk celery
1/2 onion
1.50 cups water
1 tbsp butter
1 carrot
Quinoa pilaf with carrot and celery is a delicious and nutritious dish that brings together the nutty flavor of quinoa with the delicate aniseed notes of fennel. This recipe is a great option for a healthy side dish or a light main course. Packed with fiber and vitamins, it’s a colorful and flavorful way to enjoy a balanced meal.
Instructions:
- Trim the fennel bulb, then chop it into small, bite-sized pieces.
- Wash and finely dice the celery stalk.
- Peel and dice the carrot.
- Finely chop the half onion.
- Rinse the quinoa thoroughly under cold water to remove any bitterness.
- In a medium saucepan, combine the quinoa and 1.5 cups of water.
- Bring to a boil over high heat.
- Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for about 15 minutes, or until all the water is absorbed and the quinoa is tender.
- Remove from heat and let it stand, covered, for 5 minutes.
- While the quinoa is cooking, melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the chopped fennel, celery, and onion to the skillet.
- Cook and stir occasionally for about 10 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender and translucent.
- Add the diced carrot to the skillet and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the carrot is slightly softened.
- Fluff the cooked quinoa with a fork.
- Add the quinoa to the skillet with the sautéed vegetables.
- Stir well to combine all ingredients.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste, if desired.
- Serve warm as a side dish or a light main course.
Tips:
- Rinse the quinoa thoroughly before cooking to remove its natural coating, called saponin, which can make it taste bitter or soapy.
- Try to cut all your vegetables into uniform sizes to ensure even cooking.
- To enhance the flavor, consider toasting the quinoa in the pan for a few minutes before adding the water.
- You can add more herbs or spices like thyme, bay leaves, or garlic to enrich the flavor profile of the dish.
- For a vegan version, substitute the butter with olive oil or a plant-based alternative.
- This pilaf can be prepared ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator. Simply reheat before serving.
This quinoa pilaf with carrot and celery is not only a feast for the eyes but also a nutritious and delicious addition to your meal plan. It's easy to prepare and offers a delightful combination of textures and flavors that everyone will enjoy. Serve it as a main dish or a side to complement your favorite protein.
Nutrition per serving
8 ServingsCalories 55kcal
Protein 1.49g
Carbohydrates 8g
Fiber 1.96g
Sugar 2.24g
Fat 1.96g
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