Quinoa Pilaf

I love quinoa. It really is the perfect grain and incredibly delicious. I love the nuttiness of it and the texture. Here’s a wonderful recipe that was inspired by Aarti Sequeira on Food Network. She likes to use spices and put an Indian spin on many of her dishes. I enjoy her show “Aarti’s Party”. Enjoy!

Ingredients:

1 ½ cup quinoa

2 ¼ cup chicken stock or broth

½ a red onion, finely diced

1 clove garlic finely minced

½ tsp. ground ginger

½ tsp. turmeric

1 tsp. ground coriander

1 tsp. garam masala

Olive Oil

½ cup chopped dried fruit (I used cherries, next time I am going to use apricots)

½ cup nuts (I used pine nuts, next time I am going to use cashews)

Salt & Pepper to taste

Juice of 1 lime

Directions:

Quinoa must be well rinsed before using. I place it in a fine mesh sieve and run water over it for several minutes.

Place quinoa in a saucepan, along with chicken stock. Bring to a boil, reduce heat and cover. Simmer for 10 – 15 minutes; until the liquid is completely absorbed. Fluff with a fork, replace lid and let sit for several minutes.

While the quinoa is cooking, drizzle olive oil in a non-stick skillet. Sauté the red onion and garlic until the onion is translucent. Add the spices to the pan and cook for several minutes.

Add the nuts and chopped fruit. Continue to sauté until heated through. If necessary, turn off heat while waiting for quinoa to finish cooking.

Add quinoa to the onion and fruit mixture. Stir well, well return to heat. Let the flavors mix well – sprinkle lime juice over all and continue to combine. Salt and Pepper to taste. Serve and enjoy this delicious combination of flavors.

Click here for printable recipe.