Get ready to transform your ordinary quinoa into an extraordinary culinary experience that will make your taste buds dance! This irresistible recipe combines the earthy goodness of quinoa with the luxurious crunch of caramelized pecans, creating a dish that's not just a meal, but a gourmet adventure. Imagine golden, perfectly toasted pecans glazed with rich coconut sugar, nestled among fluffy quinoa grains – a symphony of textures and flavors that will elevate your healthy eating game to a whole new level. Whether you're a health-conscious foodie or someone looking to impress at your next dinner party, this recipe is your secret weapon!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 8 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup pecan halves
- 1/4 cup coconut sugar
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 cup cooked quinoa
- 1 tbsp coconut oil
Instructions
- Prepare quinoa by rinsing thoroughly under cold water using a fine-mesh strainer to remove any bitter coating.
- Cook quinoa according to package instructions: typically combine 1 cup quinoa with 2 cups water, bring to boil, reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes until water is absorbed and quinoa is fluffy.
- In a dry skillet over medium heat, toast pecan halves for 3-4 minutes, stirring constantly to prevent burning, until they become fragrant and lightly golden.
- In a separate small bowl, mix coconut sugar, ground cinnamon, and salt to create a uniform seasoning blend.
- Add coconut oil to the skillet with toasted pecans, stirring to coat evenly.
- Sprinkle the coconut sugar mixture over the pecans, continuously stirring to ensure even caramelization and prevent burning.
- Cook pecans in sugar mixture for 2-3 minutes until they develop a glossy, caramelized coating.
- Remove pecans from heat and spread on parchment paper to cool and prevent sticking.
- Fluff the cooked quinoa with a fork and transfer to a serving dish.
- Sprinkle the candied pecans over the quinoa, gently mixing to distribute evenly.
- Serve warm or at room temperature as a nutritious side dish or light meal.
Tips
- Rinse quinoa thoroughly to remove the natural bitter coating and ensure a clean, pure flavor.
- Use a dry skillet for toasting pecans to enhance their natural nuttiness without adding extra oil.
- Keep a close eye on pecans while caramelizing – they can burn quickly due to the sugar's low melting point.
- Use a fine-mesh strainer when rinsing quinoa to prevent losing those tiny grains.
- For extra flavor, consider adding a pinch of vanilla powder or a dash of sea salt to the coconut sugar mixture.
- Allow pecans to cool completely on parchment paper to achieve a crisp, glossy coating.
- This dish can be served warm or at room temperature, making it perfect for meal prep and entertaining.
- Store leftover candied pecans in an airtight container to maintain their crunch.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 210kcal
Carbohydrates: 15g
Protein: 4g
Fat: 16g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Cholesterol: 0mg
