Discover the vibrant flavors of India with our Indian Spiced Quinoa Pilaf with Peas! This delightful dish is not only a feast for the senses but also a nutritious powerhouse, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or an impressive side at your next gathering. In just 30 minutes, you can whip up a colorful and aromatic pilaf that will leave your taste buds dancing and your guests asking for seconds. Get ready to elevate your cooking game and impress everyone with this easy yet exotic recipe that’s packed with wholesome ingredients!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: Indian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup quinoa
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 1 cup green peas
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon curry powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by rinsing the quinoa under cold running water in a fine-mesh sieve. This helps remove the natural bitterness of the quinoa. Allow it to drain while you prepare the other ingredients.
- In a medium saucepan, heat 1 tablespoon of oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for about 5 minutes, or until it becomes translucent and slightly golden.
- Add the minced garlic to the saucepan and sauté for an additional 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent burning.
- Stir in the curry powder and cumin, cooking for another minute until the spices are fragrant. This step enhances the flavors of the spices.
- Add the rinsed quinoa to the saucepan, stirring well to coat the quinoa with the onion and spice mixture. Toast the quinoa for about 2 minutes, stirring frequently.
- Pour in the vegetable broth and bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the saucepan, and let it simmer for about 15 minutes or until the quinoa is cooked and the liquid has been absorbed.
- While the quinoa is cooking, prepare the green peas. If using frozen peas, you can simply thaw them by running them under warm water or microwaving them for a minute.
- Once the quinoa is cooked, remove the saucepan from heat and let it sit, covered, for 5 minutes to allow it to steam. After 5 minutes, fluff the quinoa with a fork.
- Gently fold in the cooked green peas, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Mix well to combine all the ingredients.
- Serve the Indian Spiced Quinoa Pilaf warm, garnished with fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley if desired. This dish pairs well with yogurt or a side salad.
Tips
- Rinse the Quinoa: Don’t skip rinsing the quinoa! This crucial step removes its natural bitterness, ensuring a deliciously nutty flavor in your pilaf.
- Sautéing for Flavor: Take your time sautéing the onions and garlic until they’re golden. This enhances their sweetness and builds a flavorful base for your dish.
- Spice It Up: Feel free to adjust the curry powder and cumin to your taste. If you like it spicy, adding a pinch of cayenne or some chopped green chilies can give it an extra kick!
- Toast the Quinoa: Toasting the quinoa for a couple of minutes before adding the broth brings out its nutty flavor and adds depth to the dish.
- Let It Steam: After cooking, let the quinoa sit covered for 5 minutes. This steaming step is key to achieving the perfect fluffy texture.
- Fresh Herbs: For a burst of freshness, garnish your pilaf with chopped cilantro or parsley before serving. It adds a lovely color and enhances the overall flavor.
- Pairing Suggestions: This pilaf pairs beautifully with a dollop of yogurt or a refreshing side salad, making it a versatile addition to any meal!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 40g
Protein: 10g
Fat: 5g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 0mg
