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The ingredients for Lemon Herb Quinoa Pilaf are simple and fresh. Here is what you will need: - 1 cup quinoa, rinsed - 2 cups vegetable broth (or water) - 1 small onion, finely chopped - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 medium carrot, diced - 1 red bell pepper, diced - ½ cup frozen peas - 2 tablespoons olive oil - Juice and zest of 1 lemon - 1 teaspoon dried thyme - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) Each ingredient plays a key role in the dish. Quinoa is the star, bringing a nutty flavor and fluffy texture. The vegetable broth adds depth. Onions and garlic give a savory base. Carrots and bell peppers add color and crunch. The peas bring sweetness. Lemon juice and zest brighten the dish. Thyme and oregano add earthy notes. Salt and pepper enhance all these flavors. Fresh parsley is the perfect finishing touch, making the dish look vibrant and inviting. Enjoying this pilaf is not just a meal; it is a burst of flavor on your plate! {{ingredient_image_1}} First, heat the olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion. Sauté the onion for about 3-4 minutes until it is soft and clear. Next, add the minced garlic. Stir in the diced carrot at this point. Cook these together for about 2 minutes. The carrot should start to soften now. After that, add the diced red bell pepper. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until the pepper softens a bit. Now, it’s time to add the rinsed quinoa to the pan. Mix it well with the sautéed vegetables. Pour in the vegetable broth or water next. Add the lemon juice and lemon zest. Toss in the dried thyme and dried oregano too. Bring everything to a boil. Once it boils, lower the heat and cover the pan. Let it simmer for about 15 minutes. The quinoa should absorb all the liquid and become fluffy. During the last 5 minutes of cooking, stir in the frozen peas. This will warm them up nicely. After cooking, remove the pan from heat. Let it sit covered for an extra 5 minutes. Then, fluff the quinoa with a fork. Season with salt and pepper to your liking. Finally, garnish with fresh parsley before serving. Enjoy your bright and tasty Lemon Herb Quinoa Pilaf! Rinsing quinoa is key. It washes away the bitter coating called saponin. This step improves the taste and texture. To rinse, place quinoa in a fine mesh strainer. Run cold water over it for a minute. You’ll notice how clean and fresh it looks. This small step makes a big difference! Using vegetable broth enhances flavor. It adds depth that water cannot provide. Broth gives the dish a savory touch. If you want a lighter taste, you can use water. But I always recommend broth for the best results. It makes every bite more enjoyable. You can boost the flavor with more herbs or spices. Try adding fresh basil or cilantro for a twist. A pinch of red pepper flakes adds heat. Experiment with different combinations. You can even mix in some nuts or dried fruits for extra texture. The options are endless, so have fun with it! Pro Tips Rinse Your Quinoa: Always rinse quinoa under cold water before cooking to remove its natural coating, saponin, which can make it taste bitter. Enhance Flavor: For added depth, toast the quinoa in the olive oil for 2-3 minutes before adding the broth. This brings out a nutty flavor. Vegetable Variations: Feel free to mix in other vegetables like zucchini or spinach for extra nutrition and vibrant color. Let It Rest: After cooking, let the quinoa sit covered for a few minutes. This helps the grains firm up and improves texture. {{image_2}} You can add many vegetables to your Lemon Herb Quinoa Pilaf. Try zucchini, spinach, or broccoli. Each brings a new flavor and makes the dish colorful. Dice them small so they cook evenly. You can use fresh or frozen veggies. Just remember to adjust cooking times for freshness. You can boost the protein in your pilaf with easy additions. Chickpeas, black beans, or lentils work well. Simply add them in the last few minutes of cooking. For a meat option, try diced grilled chicken or shrimp. Just make sure to cook them before adding to the quinoa. If you want to switch from quinoa, try other grains. Brown rice or farro are great choices. They have different textures and flavors. Adjust the cooking time based on the grain you choose. Rice usually takes longer, so keep an eye on it. This way, you can enjoy the same bright taste with a new twist. To store Lemon Herb Quinoa Pilaf in the fridge, let it cool first. Place it in an airtight container. It will last for about 3 to 5 days. When ready to eat, just reheat it in the microwave or on the stove. Add a splash of broth or water if it seems dry. You can freeze this quinoa pilaf if you want to save it for later. First, let it cool completely. Then, put it in a freezer-safe container. It can last for up to 3 months in the freezer. To reheat, just thaw it overnight in the fridge. Then heat it on the stove or microwave. Again, add some broth or water if needed. This Lemon Herb Quinoa Pilaf pairs well with many dishes. Try it with grilled chicken or fish for a complete meal. You can also serve it alongside a fresh salad. Add some feta or avocado for extra taste. It makes a lovely side dish for any dinner. Yes, you can make Lemon Herb Quinoa Pilaf ahead of time. This dish stores well. Cook it, let it cool, and place it in an airtight container. You can keep it in the fridge for up to five days. Reheat it on the stovetop or in the microwave when you are ready to eat. Yes, this recipe is gluten-free. Quinoa is a gluten-free grain. It is a great choice for those with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease. Always double-check the labels of any broth you use to ensure it is also gluten-free. This recipe is already vegan! It uses vegetable broth and no animal products. You can enjoy it as is. If you want, you can add plant-based proteins, like chickpeas or tofu, to make it heartier. Absolutely! You can toss in more veggies like spinach, zucchini, or mushrooms. Just sauté them with the onions for a tasty mix. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. It stays fresh for about five days. Yes, feel free to swap quinoa for other grains like rice or bulgur. Just adjust the cooking time and liquid amounts as needed. This pilaf pairs well with grilled chicken, fish, or a fresh salad. You can also serve it as a side dish at a gathering. In this blog post, we explored a delicious quinoa dish. We covered the main ingredients, like quinoa and fresh veggies. I shared step-by-step instructions, tips for better flavor, and ways to customize the dish. We also talked about how to store and serve it. Quinoa is versatile and easy to make. Feel free to try new veggies or proteins. Enjoy cooking, and have fun making it your own!

Lemon Herb Quinoa Pilaf

A refreshing and nutritious quinoa dish infused with lemon and herbs.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Mediterranean
Servings 4
Calories 200 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup quinoa, rinsed
  • 2 cups vegetable broth (or water)
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 medium carrot, diced
  • 1 red bell pepper diced
  • 0.5 cup frozen peas
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 lemon juice and zest
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • for garnish fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions
 

  • In a medium saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until translucent.
  • Add the minced garlic and diced carrot to the pan, continuing to sauté for another 2 minutes until the carrot starts to soften.
  • Stir in the diced red bell pepper and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes.
  • Add the rinsed quinoa to the saucepan, stirring well to combine with the sautéed vegetables.
  • Pour in the vegetable broth (or water) along with the lemon juice, lemon zest, dried thyme, and dried oregano. Bring to a boil.
  • Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for about 15 minutes or until the quinoa is cooked and has absorbed all the liquid.
  • During the last 5 minutes of cooking, stir in the frozen peas and let them warm through.
  • Remove the pan from heat and let it sit covered for an additional 5 minutes, then fluff the quinoa with a fork.
  • Season with salt and pepper to taste, and garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Notes

Feel free to add more vegetables or adjust the herbs to your taste.
Keyword healthy, pilaf, quinoa, vegetarian