Quinoa Pilaf

I have been thinking of trying the Quinoa Pilaf for a while now, but didn’t get a chance. Made this a few days back after my friend Sonal’s (simplyvegetarian777) Quinoa Pulao post. She gave me the motivation to finally make this pilaf and I am thinking why did I not make it before.

This filling pilaf is full of flavor and protein which makes it healthy and you can eat it guilt free. In my opinion, this was better than the rice pilaf. I enjoyed it so much that, ate the leftovers the next day too. I am planning on making this again soon, as I am trying not to eat too much carbs specially at night.

Ingredients:

1 cup quinoa, washed throughly
1/4 cauliflower florets
1/4 cups peas, (I used frozen)
1 small onion, sliced lengthwise
1 stick of cinnamon
1 bay leaf
salt to taste
1.5 cup water
1/4 cup tomato puree
1/2 tsp cumin seeds
1/2 tsp red chili powder
1/2 tsp turmeric powder
1/2 tsp garam masala
1 tbsp olive oil

Directions:

In a pot heat the oil, add cumin seeds, cinnamon stick and bay leaf. Let the cumin splutter add onions, sauté for a couple of minutes then add cauliflower and peas. Saute for additional 2 mins.

Now add tomato puree, salt, turmeric, red chili powder, garam masala. Stir for a few minutes.

Add washed quinoa and mix well. Stir for a couple of minutes.

Add water and cook covered for 10-12 minutes until there is no water.

Leave it covered for about 5-7 minutes. Uncover the pot and separate the grain using a fork. And now your pilaf is ready to eat.

Serve hot with plain yogurt, mint chutney and pickle.

If you like the recipe, please comment below after you give it a try and share it on Facebook. Would like to hear from you. Your comments, likes, dislikes, matters to me. Thank you for stopping by!!

Happy Cooking!!!!