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A mound of fluffy Herbed Quinoa Pilaf mixed with fresh green herbs and topped with sliced almonds on a white plate.

Herbed Quinoa Pilaf

This recipe shows you how to make fluffy herbed quinoa pilaf. It is a simple side dish suitable for weeknights or holiday meals.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 21 minutes
Resting Time 10 minutes
Total Time 41 minutes
Servings: 4 people
Course: Side Dishes
Cuisine: General
Calories: 297
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
  • 1 small onion or 2 small shallots, thinly sliced (about ¾ cup chopped)
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 1 1/2 cups raw quinoa, rinsed and drained
  • 3 cups water
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 1 whole lemon zest
  • 3 tablespoons lemon juice Use 4 tablespoons if desired
  • 1 cup fresh Italian parsley, chopped Plus more for garnish
  • 2 tablespoons fresh or dried thyme, chopped
  • 1/4 cup sliced almonds, lightly toasted
  • 2 small sliced radishes Optional

Equipment

  • Medium-sized saucepan

Method
 

  1. Heat oil in a medium-sized saucepan. Add the shallots (or onion) and ground cumin. Saute, mixing constantly, until shallots are translucent or softened, about 5 to 6 minutes.
  2. Add the minced garlic and saute for 30 seconds.
  3. Stir in the quinoa and toast, stirring constantly, for one minute. Add the water, salt, and black pepper. Stir the mixture. Put the lid on. Bring it to a boil and let it simmer for 15 minutes or until all the liquid is absorbed and tiny holes appear on the surface of the quinoa.
  4. Turn the heat off and let it rest for 10 minutes with the lid on.
  5. Fluff the cooked quinoa with a fork.
  6. Add the lemon zest, lemon juice, parsley, thyme, sliced almonds, and sliced radishes if you are using them.
  7. Gently toss the ingredients and serve while the pilaf is still warm.

Notes

If you want to make this seasoned quinoa side dish ahead of time, cook the quinoa according to the recipe instructions. Let it cool to room temperature. Place it in an airtight container and keep it in the fridge; it should keep fresh up to 4 days. When ready to serve, warm it up in a saucepan or microwave. Add the quinoa seasonings, such as lemon zest, lemon juice, parsley, thyme, sliced almonds, and radishes, at the end. Give it a toss and serve.
The amount of salt listed is a starting point. Taste the quinoa after adding all the garnishes and adjust the salt to your preference for flavorful lemon quinoa.