Quinoa Vegetable Pilaf (Print Version)

Fluffy quinoa tossed with golden roasted vegetables and aromatic herbs for a colorful, satisfying dish.

# What You Need:

→ Grains

01 - 1 cup quinoa, rinsed
02 - 2 cups vegetable broth or water

→ Vegetables

03 - 1 small red bell pepper, diced
04 - 1 small zucchini, diced
05 - 1 small carrot, peeled and diced
06 - 1 small red onion, diced
07 - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
08 - 2 tablespoons olive oil

→ Aromatics and Seasonings

09 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
10 - 1 teaspoon ground cumin
11 - 1 teaspoon dried thyme
12 - 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
13 - Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

→ Fresh Herbs and Finish

14 - 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
15 - 2 tablespoons chopped fresh mint, optional
16 - Juice of 1/2 lemon

# Directions:

01 - Preheat oven to 425°F.
02 - On a large baking sheet, toss bell pepper, zucchini, carrot, red onion, and cherry tomatoes with olive oil, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.
03 - Roast vegetables in preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes, stirring once halfway through, until golden and tender.
04 - While vegetables roast, combine rinsed quinoa and vegetable broth in a medium saucepan. Bring to a boil, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes until liquid is absorbed. Remove from heat and let stand covered for 5 minutes.
05 - Fluff cooked quinoa with a fork to separate grains.
06 - In a large skillet, heat a drizzle of olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Stir in cumin, thyme, and smoked paprika.
07 - Add cooked quinoa and roasted vegetables to the skillet with spices. Toss gently to combine and warm through, about 2 minutes.
08 - Remove from heat. Add parsley, mint if using, and lemon juice. Toss well and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
09 - Transfer to serving dish and serve warm or at room temperature.

# Expert Suggestions:

01 -
  • Nutritious & Filling: High in protein and fiber, keeping you satisfied longer.
  • Rainbow of Veggies: Features a variety of colorful vegetables packed with vitamins.
  • Diet-Friendly: Naturally gluten-free, dairy-free, and vegan-friendly.
  • Quick Cleanup: Most of the work happens on a single baking sheet and one saucepan.
02 -
  • Don't Crowd the Pan: Give the vegetables space on the baking sheet so they roast and brown instead of steaming.
  • Allergen Safety: Always check broth and spice labels for hidden allergens like gluten or soy if you have specific sensitivities.
  • Freshness Matters: Using fresh parsley and mint makes a significant difference in the final aromatic profile of the dish.
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