Spiced Quinoa Pilaf

Spiced Quinoa Pilaf is a fragrant and wholesome Lebanese side dish, combining fluffy quinoa with a medley of spices and vegetables. This vibrant dish is not only simple to prepare but also packed with flavor, making it a perfect accompaniment to any meal.

Ingredients

• Quinoa - 150 grams
• Water - 400 ml
• Olive oil - 2 tablespoons
• Onion - 1 medium, finely chopped
• Garlic - 2 cloves, minced
• Carrot - 1 small, diced
• Bell pepper - 1 small, diced
• Cumin - 1 teaspoon
• Cinnamon - 1/2 teaspoon
• Turmeric - 1/2 teaspoon
• Salt - 1/2 teaspoon
• Black pepper - 1/4 teaspoon
• Fresh parsley - 2 tablespoons, chopped
• Almonds - 30 grams, slivered

Steps

1. Rinse the quinoa under cold water to remove any bitterness, then drain well.
2. In a medium saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Add the minced garlic, diced carrot, and diced bell pepper to the saucepan. Cook for another 3-4 minutes until the vegetables are slightly softened.
4. Stir in the rinsed quinoa, cumin, cinnamon, turmeric, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to coat the quinoa with the spices.
5. Pour in the water and bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce heat to low, cover, and let simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the quinoa is cooked and water is absorbed.
6. Remove from heat and let it sit, covered, for an additional 5 minutes. Fluff the quinoa with a fork.
7. Stir in the chopped parsley and slivered almonds before serving.

Nutrition

• Calories: 330
• Protein: 10 g
• Carbs: 45 g
• Fiber: 6 g
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 200 mg
• Cholesterol: 0 mg
• Total Fat: 14 g
• Saturated Fat: 2 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Water: 0.4 L

Health Benefits

• High in protein and fiber, promoting satiety and digestive health.
• Rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties from spices like turmeric and cinnamon.

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