Baked Quinoa Pilaf

Baked Quinoa Pilaf is a fragrant and wholesome Lebanese dish that combines nutty quinoa with a medley of vegetables and spices, baked to perfection. This dish is not only delicious but also offers a colorful presentation, making it a delightful addition to any meal.

Ingredients

• Quinoa - 1 cup
• Water - 2 cups
• Olive oil - 2 tablespoons
• Onion - 1 medium, finely chopped
• Garlic - 2 cloves, minced
• Carrot - 1 medium, diced
• Bell pepper - 1 small, diced
• Zucchini - 1 small, diced
• Tomato - 1 medium, diced
• Cumin - 1 teaspoon
• Cinnamon - 1/2 teaspoon
• Salt - 1 teaspoon
• Black pepper - 1/2 teaspoon
• Fresh parsley - 2 tablespoons, chopped
• Pine nuts - 2 tablespoons, toasted

Steps

1. Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
2. Rinse the quinoa under cold water and drain well.
3. In a medium saucepan, combine quinoa and water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 15 minutes or until quinoa is fluffy and water is absorbed.
4. While the quinoa is cooking, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
5. Add the chopped onion and garlic to the skillet, sautéing until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
6. Add the diced carrot, bell pepper, and zucchini to the skillet. Sauté for another 5-7 minutes until vegetables are tender.
7. Stir in the diced tomato, cumin, cinnamon, salt, and black pepper. Cook for an additional 2 minutes.
8. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked quinoa with the sautéed vegetable mixture. Adjust seasoning if needed.
9. Transfer the quinoa mixture to a greased baking dish, spreading it evenly.
10. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes.
11. Remove the foil, sprinkle the toasted pine nuts and chopped parsley on top, and bake for an additional 5 minutes.
12. Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes before serving.

Nutrition

• Calories: 400
• Protein: 14 g
• Carbs: 65 g
• Fiber: 8 g
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 500 mg
• Cholesterol: 0 mg
• Total Fat: 14 g
• Saturated Fat: 2 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Water: 0.5 L

Health Benefits

• High in protein and fiber, promoting satiety and digestive health.
• Rich in vitamins and minerals from the variety of vegetables used.

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