Spicy Quinoa Pilau
Embark on a vibrant culinary journey with this Spicy Quinoa Pilau, a wholesome, one-pot dish bursting with bold spices and nutritious vegetables. Perfectly seasoned with aromatic cumin, coriander, turmeric, and paprika, the fluffy quinoa absorbs the rich flavors of sautéed red onion, garlic, and ginger. A medley of colorful bell pepper, carrots, and green peas adds both texture and taste, while fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lemon juice deliver a zesty finish. This gluten-free, protein-packed recipe is ready in just 40 minutes, making it an ideal weeknight meal or a crowd-pleasing side dish for your next gathering. Healthy, flavorful, and easy to prepare—this Spicy Quinoa Pilau will quickly become a favorite staple in your kitchen!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 1 cup quinoa
- 2 cups water
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium red onion
- 3 garlic cloves
- 1 teaspoon ginger
- 1 green chili
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 0.5 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 medium bell pepper
- 1 medium carrot
- 0.5 cup frozen peas
- 1 cup vegetable broth
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Instructions
Rinse the quinoa thoroughly under cold water to remove any bitterness. Set aside to drain.
Finely chop the red onion, garlic, ginger, and green chili. Dice the bell pepper and carrot into small, uniform pieces.
In a medium saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 2-3 minutes until soft and translucent.
Stir in the garlic, ginger, and green chili, cooking for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
Add the ground cumin, ground coriander, turmeric powder, and paprika to the pan. Stir well to coat the onions and release the spices’ aroma for about 30 seconds.
Mix in the diced bell pepper, carrot, and frozen peas. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until slightly softened.
Add the rinsed quinoa to the pan and stir until it’s well coated with the spices and vegetables.
Pour in the water and vegetable broth, then add the salt. Stir to combine.
Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the saucepan with a lid and let it simmer for 15 minutes, or until the quinoa is cooked and the liquid is absorbed.
Remove the pan from the heat and let it sit, covered, for an additional 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
Fluff the quinoa with a fork, then stir in the fresh cilantro and lemon juice for brightness.
Serve the Spicy Quinoa Pilau warm as a main dish or a side. Enjoy!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
1127 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 44.1 g | 57% | |
| Saturated Fat | 5.1 g | 26% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 3.5 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% | |
| Sodium | 3003 mg | 131% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 149.8 g | 54% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 16.4 g | 59% | |
| Total Sugars | 20.4 g | ||
| Protein | 37.5 g | 75% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 232 mg | 18% | |
| Iron | 12.0 mg | 67% | |
| Potassium | 1618 mg | 34% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
