This quinoa pilaf makes for a perfectly light side dish that is easy to make and tastes great. Made with sultanas, fresh mint, parsley, and pine nuts, it is a perfect side dish for any Mediterranean, beef or lamb dish.
Quinoa has always been one of those grains that I love to eat but I get sick and tired of making it because I seem to do the same thing over and over. This easy quinoa pilaf recipe is what happened after quite a few tests. I love how healthy it is and it is a great vegetarian and vegan side dish. It is perfect for meal prep, as a side dish to any Mediterranean, beef, or lamb dish, or if you want it as its own one pot meal add some chickpeas and tofu for additional protein.
Table of Contents
In this recipe
The ingredient list is pretty easy and most of them will probably already be in your kitchen and pantry. Simple is best for recipes like this one.
Quinoa: this is the star of the show and feel free to use any variety of quinoa for this recipe.
Golden raisins/sultanas: these will add a little bit of sweetness but also a little chewiness to the pilaf.
Fresh herbs: this recipe uses parsley and mint which will add brightness to the pilaf. However, feel free to swap them out for some of your favorites.
How to cook quinoa pilaf in 30 minutes.
The first thing you want to do is to chop just the onions, garlic and shallots. Once those are done heat the oil in the casserole dish and add the onions and shallots. One they are translucent, about 5 minutes, add the garlic and ginger and cook for another 30 seconds. Now is when you toss in the quinoa and toast for 2-3 minutes. Then add the broth, bring it to a boil, reduce to simmer, and cover. Cook for 10-15 minutes or until the broth has been absorbed.
While the quinoa is cooking you can chop the mint and parsley. As a little extra kick, you can toast the pine nuts over medium heat until the sides start turning a light golden color and set aside. This will add a little more texture and enhance the nutty flavor. Once the quinoa is ready fluff with a fork and mix in the parsley, mint, pine nuts and golden raisins. Bam! You are good to go!
What can I mix into quinoa pilaf?
There are a few things you can do to make this recipe your own. Here are some add ins suggestions for you to experiment with.
- Dried cherries and cranberries
- Chickpeas
- Tofu
- Additional fresh herbs like oregano, tarragon, chives, and/or thyme
- Feta cheese
- Black olives
- Sun dried tomatoes
Looking for other healthy side dish recipes?
Quinoa Pilaf
Equipment
- Casserole dish with lid
Ingredients
- 2 cups vegetable stock
- 1 cup quinoa uncooked
- 1 cup onion chopped
- ¼ cup shallots chopped
- ¼ cup golden raisins
- 3 tablespoons pine nuts
- 2 tablespoons parsley chopped
- 2 tablespoons mint chopped
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon garlic minced
- ¼ teaspoon ground ginger
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Instructions
- In a casserole dish heat the oil over medium high heat. Add the onions and shallots and cook until translucent, for about 5 minutes.1 cup onion, ¼ cup shallots, 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Add the garlic and ginger and cook for another 30 seconds. Add the quinoa and stir to toast. This will take 2-3 minutes.1 cup quinoa, 1 tablespoon garlic, ¼ teaspoon ground ginger
- Add the vegetable stock and salt, bring to a boil and reduce to simmer. Cover and cook for 10-15 minutes or until all the liquid has been absorbed.2 cups vegetable stock, ¼ teaspoon salt
- Fluff with a fork then stir in the parsley, pine nuts, golden raisins/sultanas and mint.¼ cup golden raisins, 3 tablespoons pine nuts, 2 tablespoons parsley, 2 tablespoons mint
Notes
Nutrition
This is such an easy to make dish and the fresh mint and parsley are game changers.