Herbed Quinoa Pilaf

Herbed Quinoa Pilaf is a fragrant and nutritious dish that marries the nutty flavor of quinoa with aromatic herbs, making it a perfect side for any meal. This Paleo-friendly recipe is not only delicious but also packed with wholesome ingredients that provide a burst of flavor and energy.

Ingredients

• Quinoa - 150 grams
• Water - 400 ml
• Olive oil - 2 tablespoons
• Onion - 1 medium, finely chopped
• Garlic - 2 cloves, minced
• Carrot - 1 medium, diced
• Fresh cilantro - 2 tablespoons, chopped
• Fresh parsley - 2 tablespoons, chopped
• Fresh mint - 1 tablespoon, chopped
• Cumin powder - 1 teaspoon
• Salt - to taste
• Black pepper - to taste

Steps

1. Rinse the quinoa under cold water to remove any bitterness, then drain.
2. In a medium pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat and add the chopped onion. Sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes.
3. Add the minced garlic and diced carrot to the pot, and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes until the carrot starts to soften.
4. Stir in the rinsed quinoa and cumin powder, cooking for 1-2 minutes to lightly toast the quinoa.
5. Pour in the water and add salt and black pepper to taste. Bring the mixture to a boil.
6. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for 15 minutes or until the quinoa has absorbed all the water.
7. Remove from heat and let it sit, covered, for 5 minutes. Fluff the quinoa with a fork.
8. Stir in the chopped cilantro, parsley, and mint before serving.

Nutrition

• Calories: 320
• Protein: 10 g
• Carbs: 52 g
• Fiber: 5 g
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 250 mg
• Cholesterol: 0 mg
• Total Fat: 10 g
• Saturated Fat: 1 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Water: 0.4 L

Health Benefits

• Rich in protein and essential amino acids from quinoa.
• Packed with vitamins and antioxidants from fresh herbs and vegetables.

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