Are you ready to elevate your dining experience with a dish that's not only bursting with flavor but also packed with nutrients? Introducing the Kale and Quinoa Pilaf—a delightful fusion of textures and tastes that will leave your taste buds dancing! This American-inspired recipe combines the earthy goodness of quinoa with the vibrant crunch of kale, making it the perfect side dish or a light main course. With just 40 minutes of your time, you can whip up a wholesome meal that’s sure to impress family and friends. Read on to discover how to create this deliciously nutritious pilaf that will have everyone asking for seconds!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup quinoa
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 2 cups kale, chopped
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Rinse the quinoa thoroughly in a fine-mesh strainer under cold running water to remove any bitter saponin coating.
- In a medium saucepan, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add diced onions and sauté until they become translucent and slightly golden, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add minced garlic to the onions and cook for an additional 30 seconds, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
- Pour the rinsed quinoa into the pan and stir to combine with the onion and garlic, toasting the quinoa for 1-2 minutes to enhance its nutty flavor.
- Pour in the vegetable broth, bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover the pan and simmer for 15 minutes.
- While the quinoa is cooking, wash and finely chop the kale, removing any tough stems.
- After 15 minutes, add the chopped kale on top of the quinoa, do not stir. Cover and continue cooking for an additional 5 minutes.
- Remove from heat and let sit, covered, for 5 minutes to allow the quinoa to absorb remaining liquid and the kale to steam.
- Fluff the quinoa with a fork, gently mixing in the kale. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Drizzle the remaining olive oil over the pilaf and serve hot as a nutritious side dish or light main course.
Tips
- Rinse the Quinoa: Don’t skip the rinsing step! Washing the quinoa thoroughly removes its natural coating, saponin, which can impart a bitter flavor. This simple step ensures your pilaf is as delicious as possible.
- Perfectly Toast the Quinoa: After sautéing the onions and garlic, take a moment to toast the rinsed quinoa for 1-2 minutes. This enhances its nutty flavor and adds depth to your dish.
- Layer the Kale: When adding the kale, place it on top of the quinoa without stirring. This technique allows the kale to steam gently, preserving its vibrant color and nutrients.
- Let It Sit: After cooking, allow the pilaf to sit covered for an additional 5 minutes. This resting period helps the quinoa absorb any remaining liquid and ensures a fluffy texture.
- Season to Taste: Don’t be shy with the seasoning! Adjust salt and pepper to your liking, and consider adding a splash of lemon juice or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for an extra kick.
- Versatile Serving: Enjoy this pilaf warm as a side dish, or add your favorite protein to make it a hearty main course. It’s also great cold as a salad the next day!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 10g
Fat: 9g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 0mg
