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To make the Herbed Lemon Quinoa Pilaf, you will need a few simple ingredients that come together to create a tasty and healthy dish. - 1 cup quinoa, rinsed - 2 cups vegetable broth - 1 medium onion, finely chopped - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 carrot, diced - 1 bell pepper (any color), diced - 1 teaspoon dried thyme - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - 1 lemon (zest and juice) - 3 tablespoons olive oil - Salt and pepper to taste - 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped - 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped These ingredients bring flavor and nutrition to the dish. Quinoa is the star. It is a protein-rich grain that is gluten-free. The vegetables add color and crunch. Fresh herbs like parsley and basil give it a bright taste. The lemon juice and zest add a refreshing zing that makes this dish memorable. For the full recipe, you can check out the details at the beginning of this article. Enjoy cooking! First, bring the vegetable broth to a boil in a medium saucepan. Add 1 cup of rinsed quinoa and a pinch of salt. Reduce the heat to low and cover the pot. Let it simmer for about 15 minutes. The liquid will absorb, and the quinoa will become fluffy. After cooking, remove it from heat and let it sit, covered, for 5 minutes. Fluff the quinoa with a fork before serving. While the quinoa cooks, heat 3 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 1 medium onion, finely chopped, and sauté until it turns translucent, about 3 to 5 minutes. Then, add 2 cloves of minced garlic, 1 diced carrot, and 1 diced bell pepper. Sauté these for another 5 to 7 minutes until the vegetables are tender. Now, stir in 1 teaspoon each of dried thyme and oregano. Let the herbs toast for about 1 minute to enhance their flavor. Once the quinoa is fluffy, add it to the skillet with the sautéed vegetables. Also, mix in the zest and juice of 1 lemon for brightness. Toss everything together until well combined. Season with salt and pepper to taste, adjusting as needed. Finally, fold in 1/4 cup each of fresh parsley and basil for a fresh burst of flavor. Serve warm or at room temperature. For the best look, garnish with extra herbs and a lemon wedge. Find the full recipe to try this delightful dish today! Start by rinsing your quinoa. This step helps remove any bitter taste. Use a fine mesh strainer. Rinse under cool water for about 1-2 minutes. This small step makes a big difference in flavor. For the perfect cook time, aim for about 15 minutes. Bring the vegetable broth to a boil before adding the rinsed quinoa. Then, reduce the heat and cover it. Let it simmer until all the liquid is absorbed. After cooking, let it sit for 5 minutes. Fluff it with a fork for a light and fluffy texture. You can boost flavor by adding more herbs. Fresh herbs like dill or cilantro work well. You could also try spices like cumin or paprika. These add warmth and depth to your dish. Mix in different vegetables for variety. Try adding zucchini or peas for color and taste. Seasonal veggies can change the dish each time you make it. This keeps it fun and exciting. How you present the dish matters. Spoon the pilaf into a bowl or plate. Garnish with extra fresh herbs to make it pop. Add a lemon wedge on the side for a lovely touch. For serving, pair this dish with grilled chicken or fish. It also works well as a side for any meal. This makes it a versatile option on your table. To see the full recipe, check out the Full Recipe section. {{image_2}} You can change this dish by adding protein. Chickpeas or beans give a heartier feel. They add texture and protein to keep you full. Just toss them in when you mix the quinoa with the veggies. You can also try chicken or shrimp. Sauté them in the skillet before adding the other ingredients. This adds a tasty twist to your pilaf. Quinoa is great, but you have choices. Couscous or rice can work well too. If you use couscous, it cooks quickly and has a nice texture. For rice, use long-grain or brown rice for a different bite. If you need gluten-free options, quinoa is perfect. Just ensure the broth is gluten-free if you switch grains. You can adapt this recipe to match the seasons. In spring, add peas or asparagus for freshness. Summer brings zucchini or tomatoes, which add color and taste. In fall, think about adding roasted squash. In winter, use hearty greens like kale or spinach. Each season offers unique flavors, making this dish enjoyable year-round. For the complete recipe, check out the Full Recipe section. To store leftover herbed lemon quinoa pilaf safely, place it in an airtight container. Make sure it cools to room temperature before sealing. Refrigerate the pilaf within two hours of cooking. You can enjoy it for up to five days. Always check for any off smells or signs of spoilage before eating. If you want to save the pilaf for later, freezing works great. First, let it cool completely. Then, place it in a freezer-safe bag or container. Squeeze out as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. It can last up to three months in the freezer. When you're ready to eat, thaw the pilaf in the fridge overnight. To reheat, warm it in a skillet over medium heat. You can add a splash of vegetable broth to keep it moist. Stir occasionally until heated through for the best taste. What is quinoa and its health benefits? Quinoa is a grain that comes from a plant. It is high in protein and fiber. Quinoa is also gluten-free, making it great for many diets. It contains vitamins and minerals like magnesium and iron. Eating quinoa can help you feel full and support your health. Can I use fresh herbs instead of dried? Yes, you can use fresh herbs! Fresh herbs add bright flavor. Use about three times more fresh herbs than dried ones. For instance, if the recipe calls for one teaspoon of dried thyme, use three teaspoons of fresh thyme. How long does it take to cook quinoa? Cooking quinoa takes about 15 minutes. First, bring water or broth to a boil. Then, add the quinoa, cover, and simmer. Once the liquid is absorbed, let it sit for five minutes before fluffing. Can I make this recipe in advance? Yes, you can make Herbed Lemon Quinoa Pilaf ahead of time. Cook it and let it cool. Store it in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat it gently on the stove or in the microwave. Can I use chicken broth instead of vegetable broth? Definitely! Chicken broth will add a rich flavor to the pilaf. Just substitute it in the same amount as vegetable broth. What other vegetables work well in this pilaf? You can add many vegetables to this pilaf. Peas, zucchini, or spinach all work well. Just chop them up and sauté with the other veggies. This blog post covered how to make a tasty herbed lemon quinoa pilaf. We looked at the key ingredients, from quinoa to flavorful herbs. I shared step-by-step cooking tips and ways to enhance your dish. You can add proteins or try seasonal veggies for variety. Remember to store leftovers properly for freshness. With these insights, you can create a healthy and delicious meal you'll love. Enjoy cooking and experimenting with this versatile dish!

Herbed Lemon Quinoa Pilaf

Discover the delightful flavors of Herbed Lemon Quinoa Pilaf, a quick and healthy dish that's perfect for any meal! This vibrant recipe combines fluffy quinoa with fresh herbs, colorful veggies, and zesty lemon for a mouth-watering experience. Ready in just 30 minutes, it's a delicious way to boost your diet with nutrients. Click to explore this easy recipe and bring sunshine to your table today!
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Ingredients
  

1 cup quinoa, rinsed

2 cups vegetable broth

1 medium onion, finely chopped

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 carrot, diced

1 bell pepper (any color), diced

1 teaspoon dried thyme

1 teaspoon dried oregano

1 lemon (zest and juice)

3 tablespoons olive oil

Salt and pepper to taste

1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped

1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped

Instructions
 

In a medium saucepan, bring the vegetable broth to a boil. Add the rinsed quinoa and a pinch of salt. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 15 minutes or until the liquid is absorbed and the quinoa is fluffy. Remove from heat and let it sit, covered, for 5 minutes before fluffing with a fork.

    While the quinoa is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 3-5 minutes.

      Add the minced garlic, diced carrot, and bell pepper to the skillet. Sauté for an additional 5-7 minutes until the vegetables are tender.

        Stir in the dried thyme and oregano, allowing the spices to toast slightly for about 1 minute.

          Add the cooked quinoa to the skillet, along with the lemon zest and juice. Toss everything together until well combined.

            Season with salt and pepper to taste, adjusting as needed.

              Remove from heat and fold in the fresh parsley and basil for a burst of flavor.

                Serve warm or at room temperature.

                  Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes | Servings: 4

                    - Presentation Tips: Spoon the pilaf into a bowl or plate and garnish with extra fresh herbs and a wedge of lemon on the side for an attractive presentation.