Rainbow Quinoa Pilaf Recipes

RAINBOW QUINOA PILAF

Steps:

• In a fine mesh sieve, rinse quinoa well under cold running water. Drain and set aside.
• In a large measuring cup combine milk and vegetable broth. Heat in microwave on medium high for about 3 minutes or until steaming (or heat in a saucepan over medium heat).
• Meanwhile, in a large deep saucepan , melt butter over medium heat. Add onion, red pepper and 1/2 teaspoons salt and pepper and sauté for 5 minutes or until softened.
• Stir in frozen vegetables and sauté for 1 minute or until starting to thaw. Stir in quinoa and flour. Stir in heated milk mixture and bring to a simmer, stirring.
• Reduce heat to low, cover and simmer for 20 minutes or until quinoa is tender and most of liquid is absorbed.
• Remove from heat and let stand, covered for 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork and season to taste with salt and pepper.
• COOKING TIP: Extra pilaf makes a terrific salad to pack for lunch. Let it cool, cover and refrigerate for up to 2 days. Add crumbled Canadian Feta cheese, drained canned beans and lemon juice or balsamic vinegar to remoisten.

RAINBOW RICE PILAF

Steps:

• Heat the oil in a large deep-sided skillet with a lid over medium-high heat. Add the onions, celery and pepper and cook, stirring occasionally, until they are just beginning to soften, about 3 minutes. Add the rice and orzo and cook, stirring constantly, until the orzo begins to brown, 3 to 5 minutes. Add the garlic, oregano, thyme, 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper and cook, stirring occasionally, until the garlic is fragrant, about 2 minutes.
• Stir in the vegetable broth, bring to a simmer and then lower heat and cook, covered, until the liquid is absorbed and the rice is tender, about 15 minutes. Remove from the heat and let sit, covered, for about 10 minutes. Fluff the rice with a fork and transfer to a serving dish. Top with the cranberries, almonds and parsley. Serve warm.

QUINOA PILAF

Steps:

• Cook's Note: To toast the almonds, arrange in a single layer on a baking sheet. Bake in a preheated 350 degrees F oven until lightly toasted, 6 to 8 minutes. Cool completely before using.
• Heat 2 tablespoons of the oil in a large saucepan or a high-sided skillet over medium-high heat. Add the shallots and cook until soft, about 2 minutes. Add the bell pepper, salt and pepper. Cook until the vegetables are tender, 5 minutes. Make a space in the center of the vegetables and add the remaining 1 tablespoon of oil. Add the quinoa and cook, stirring constantly, until coated with oil, about 2 minutes. Add the wine and cook until all of the liquid has evaporated, about 2 minutes. Add the broth and bring to a boil. Cover the pan and simmer until all of the broth has been absorbed and the quinoa is tender, about 15 minutes. Keep covered and let sit for 10 minutes. Add the arugula, almonds, mint, cucumber and lemon zest and toss well. Season with salt and pepper.

VEGETABLE QUINOA PILAF

Steps:

• Rinse quinoa with cold water according to the directions on the package; drain.
• In a medium saucepan, combine quinoa and broth; bring to a boil. Cover, reduce heat, and simmer 15 minutes or until quinoa is tender and liquid is absorbed.
• In a medium skillet, heat oil over medium-high heat. Add leeks, peppers, carrots, and celery. Cook for 6 minutes or until vegetables are tender, stirring occasionally. Stir in garlic; cook 1 minute.
• Combine vegetable mixture and quinoa. Stir in cheese, salt, and pepper. Sprinkle with parsley.

QUINOA PILAF

Steps:

• Toast rinsed quinoa in medium saucepan for 5 minutes.
• Remove from pan.
• Add oil, onion, mushrooms and garlic to pan and cook until onions are soft, about 4 minutes.
• Add boiling water, peas and toasted quinoa to pot.
• Cover pot and simmer 15 minutes.
• Stir before serving.
• Note: edited on 5/30/05 to include covering pot in step 5.

QUINOA CHARD PILAF

Steps:

• Heat the oil in a large pot over medium heat. Stir in the onion and garlic, and saute 5 minutes, until onion is tender. Mix in quinoa, lentils, and mushrooms. Pour in the broth. Cover, and cook 20 minutes.
• Remove the pot from heat. Shred chard, and gently mix into the pot. Cover, and allow to sit 5 minutes, or until chard is wilted.