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- 1 cup quinoa, rinsed - 2 cups vegetable broth - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 small onion, diced - 1 carrot, diced - 1 celery stalk, diced - 1 tablespoon olive oil - 1 teaspoon dried thyme - 1 teaspoon dried rosemary - 1 teaspoon parsley - Salt and pepper to taste - 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (for garnish) If you need to change the serving size, remember these simple conversions: - 1 cup equals 8 ounces. - 1 tablespoon equals 3 teaspoons. - 1 teaspoon equals 5 milliliters. Adjust your ingredients as needed for the right amount. You can easily swap out some ingredients. Here are a few ideas: - Use chicken broth instead of vegetable broth for a richer taste. - Try brown rice if you don’t have quinoa. - Add bell peppers or peas for extra color and flavor. - Use fresh herbs instead of dried ones for a brighter taste. These changes can personalize the dish to your liking. {{ingredient_image_1}} To make garlic herb quinoa pilaf, gather your ingredients. You need quinoa, broth, and fresh veggies. This recipe takes about 30 minutes from start to finish. It serves four, so it's great for family meals or leftovers. 1. Heat the oil: Start by heating one tablespoon of olive oil in a medium pot over medium heat. 2. Cook the veggies: Add one small diced onion, one diced carrot, and one diced celery stalk. Sauté these for about 5 minutes. You want them to soften. 3. Add garlic: Next, stir in three cloves of minced garlic. Cook this mix for 1-2 minutes until it smells good. 4. Toast the quinoa: Add one cup of rinsed quinoa to the pot. Toast the quinoa for 1-2 minutes while stirring. This adds flavor. 5. Add broth: Pour in two cups of vegetable broth and bring it to a boil. 6. Simmer: Once boiling, lower the heat. Cover the pot and let it simmer for 15 minutes. The quinoa should absorb all the broth. 7. Rest the quinoa: After 15 minutes, remove the pot from heat. Let it sit, covered, for 5 more minutes. This helps the quinoa become fluffy. 8. Season: Fluff the quinoa with a fork. Stir in one teaspoon each of dried thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper to taste. 9. Garnish: Serve your pilaf warm. Top it with 1/4 cup of fresh chopped parsley. - Prep Time: 10 minutes - Cook Time: 20 minutes - Total Time: 30 minutes This simple process gives you a tasty and healthy dish every time. Enjoy! To cook perfect quinoa, start by rinsing it well. Rinsing removes bitter saponins. Use a ratio of 1 cup quinoa to 2 cups broth. This balance yields fluffy quinoa. Toast the rinsed quinoa in the pot for 1-2 minutes. This step adds a nice nutty flavor. When it boils, reduce heat and cover it tightly. Let it simmer for 15 minutes. After cooking, let it sit for 5 minutes. This resting time helps it become light and fluffy. To boost the flavor of your quinoa pilaf, add fresh herbs. You can mix in fresh basil or dill for a twist. A splash of lemon juice brightens the dish. You can also try adding nuts like almonds or walnuts for crunch. If you like spice, add a pinch of red pepper flakes. For a richer flavor, use homemade vegetable broth instead of store-bought. Don’t forget to adjust salt and pepper to your taste. For a beautiful presentation, serve the pilaf in a large bowl. Sprinkle fresh parsley on top for color. Add a wedge of lemon on the side for a zesty touch. You can also add cherry tomatoes or slices of avocado around the dish. This adds more color and freshness. Using a nice serving platter elevates the look. Don't shy away from making it visually appealing! Pro Tips Toast the Quinoa: Before adding the broth, toasting the quinoa for a couple of minutes enhances its nutty flavor and adds depth to the dish. Use Fresh Herbs: While dried herbs work well, using fresh herbs for garnish not only adds flavor but also gives a fresh and vibrant appearance to the dish. Customize Your Vegetables: Feel free to add or substitute vegetables based on what you have on hand, such as bell peppers, zucchini, or peas for added color and nutrition. Perfect Fluff: After the quinoa has rested, fluff it gently with a fork to separate the grains without mashing them, ensuring a light and airy pilaf. {{image_2}} This pilaf is already vegetarian and vegan-friendly. You can make it even better with plant-based ingredients. Consider adding more veggies like bell peppers or zucchini. You can also toss in some beans for extra protein. Chickpeas or black beans work well. They add a nice texture and flavor. If you want a grain-free option, try using cauliflower rice. It gives a similar texture and absorbs flavors well. Simply sauté the cauliflower rice with the same veggies and garlic. It cooks much faster, so keep an eye on it. You can also use chopped mushrooms for a hearty twist. Seasonal ingredients can make this dish even more exciting. In spring, add fresh asparagus or peas for a pop of color. In summer, try corn or fresh tomatoes for sweetness. In fall, consider using butternut squash or sweet potatoes for warmth. Each season brings new flavors to explore. After enjoying your Garlic Herb Quinoa Pilaf, store leftovers in an airtight container. Let the pilaf cool down to room temperature first. This helps keep it fresh. Place the container in the fridge. It can last for about 3 to 5 days. Always check for any off smell or change in color before eating. To reheat your quinoa pilaf, use the microwave or the stove. For the microwave, place a portion in a bowl. Add a splash of water to keep it moist. Heat for about 1 to 2 minutes. Stir halfway through for even warming. If you use the stove, put the pilaf in a pan. Add a little water and heat over low heat. Stir often until warm. Want to save some for later? Freeze your Garlic Herb Quinoa Pilaf! First, let it cool completely. Then, portion it into freezer-safe bags or containers. Make sure to remove excess air to prevent freezer burn. Label the bags with the date. It keeps well for up to 3 months. When you're ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight. Reheat as mentioned before. Enjoy a quick and tasty meal! You can serve this quinoa pilaf with many dishes. Grilled chicken or fish pairs well. It also goes great with roasted veggies. For a vegan option, try it with a hearty salad. A lemon wedge adds a fresh touch. This dish works well as a side or a main meal. To make quinoa fluffier, rinse it well before cooking. Rinsing removes bitter saponins. Toast the quinoa for a couple of minutes in oil. This step adds a nice nutty flavor. Use the right ratio of liquid to quinoa. For this recipe, stick to 2 cups of broth for 1 cup of quinoa. After cooking, let it sit covered. Fluff it with a fork for the best texture. Yes, you can use other herbs for this recipe. Fresh herbs like basil or cilantro add unique flavors. If you prefer, use dried herbs like oregano or dill. Adjust the amount based on your taste. Experimenting with herbs can lead to great new tastes! This article covered everything you need to create a tasty Garlic Herb Quinoa Pilaf. We looked at the key ingredients and how to measure them correctly. I shared step-by-step instructions and gave tips to cook quinoa perfectly. You learned about different variations and how to store leftovers. In closing, cooking is about fun and flavor. Try new herbs and enjoy every bite. Happy cooking!

Garlic Herb Quinoa Pilaf

A flavorful quinoa dish infused with garlic and herbs, perfect as a side or main dish.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Vegetarian
Servings 4
Calories 200 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup quinoa, rinsed
  • 2 cups vegetable broth
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 1 medium carrot, diced
  • 1 stalk celery, diced
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
  • 1 teaspoon parsley
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • 1 4 cup chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)

Instructions
 

  • Heat the olive oil in a medium-sized pot over medium heat.
  • Add the diced onion, carrot, and celery, sautéing for about 5 minutes until they soften.
  • Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
  • Add the rinsed quinoa to the pot and toast it for 1-2 minutes while stirring constantly.
  • Pour in the vegetable broth and bring the mixture to a boil.
  • 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 broth.
  • Remove the pot from heat and let it sit, covered, for another 5 minutes.
  • Fluff the quinoa with a fork and stir in the dried thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper to taste.
  • Serve the pilaf warm, garnished with fresh chopped parsley.

Notes

Serve the quinoa pilaf in a large bowl or on a platter and sprinkle additional fresh parsley over the top for a vibrant touch. You can also add a wedge of lemon on the side for a zesty finish.
Keyword garlic, herbs, pilaf, quinoa, vegetarian