Best 5 Cheesy Quinoa Pilaf With Spinach Recipes

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Indulge in a culinary symphony of flavors with our delightful Cheesy Quinoa Pilaf with Spinach. This vegetarian dish is a harmonious blend of quinoa, spinach, and a medley of aromatic spices, resulting in a satisfying and nutritious meal.

Quinoa, a gluten-free grain, provides a boost of protein and fiber, while spinach adds a vibrant green hue and essential vitamins. Together, they create a wholesome base for this pilaf. The addition of cheese, be it cheddar or Parmesan, imparts a creamy richness that elevates the dish to new heights.

This versatile recipe offers three variations to suit your preferences. The basic version features a straightforward combination of quinoa, spinach, and cheese. For a more robust flavor profile, try the Mediterranean-inspired variation, which includes sun-dried tomatoes, olives, and feta cheese. And if you're craving a touch of smokiness, the chipotle variation, with its blend of chipotle peppers, corn, and black beans, is sure to satisfy.

Each variation promises a unique culinary experience, ensuring that this Cheesy Quinoa Pilaf with Spinach will become a staple in your recipe repertoire. So, gather your ingredients, embark on this culinary adventure, and savor the deliciousness that awaits.

Let's cook with our recipes!

QUINOA PILAF



Quinoa Pilaf image

Provided by Giada De Laurentiis

Categories     side-dish

Time 55m

Yield 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 13

3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
2 large or 4 small shallots, chopped
1 small red pepper, stemmed, seeded, deveined and chopped into 1/2-inch pieces
1 teaspoon kosher salt, plus extra for seasoning
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, plus extra for seasoning
1 1/2 cups quinoa
1/4 cup white wine, such as pinot grigio
1 1/2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
1 packed cup arugula, chopped
1/2 cup slivered almonds, toasted and coarsely chopped
1/2 cup chopped fresh mint
1 medium cucumber, peeled, seeded and diced into 1/2-inch pieces
Zest of 1 lemon

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.

BAKED QUINOA WITH SPINACH AND CHEESE



Baked Quinoa with Spinach and Cheese image

This is an easy gratin, a comforting casserole that you can serve as a main dish or a side.

Provided by Martha Rose Shulman

Time 45m

Yield Serves 4 to 6

Number Of Ingredients 9

1 6-ounce bag baby spinach
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
1 medium onion, chopped
2 plump garlic cloves
4 cups cooked quinoa, (1 cup uncooked)
2 large eggs
3 ounces Gruyère cheese, grated (3/4 cup)
1 1/2 teaspoons chopped fresh sage
1 ounce Parmesan, grated (1/4 cup)

Steps:

  • Preheat the oven to 400ºF. Oil a 2-quart gratin or baking dish.
  • Heat a medium frying pan or a wide saucepan over medium-high heat. Wash the spinach and without spinning dry, add to the pan and wilt in the liquid left on the leaves after washing. You may have to do this in 2 batches. As soon as the spinach wilts, remove from the heat and rinse with cold water. Squeeze dry and chop. Set aside.
  • Wipe the pan dry and heat 1 tablespoon of the olive oil in it over medium heat. Add the onion and cook, stirring often, until tender, about 5 minutes. Add the garlic and stir with the onion until fragrant, about 1 minute. Stir in the spinach and season with salt and pepper. Remove from the heat.
  • Beat the eggs in a large bowl and add 1/2 teaspoon salt. Stir in the quinoa, the onion and spinach mixture, the Gruyère, and the sage. Add freshly ground pepper and stir the mixture together. Scrape into the gratin dish. Sprinkle the Parmesan over the top and drizzle on the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Place in the oven and bake until nicely browned on top, about 25 minutes. Remove from the heat, allow to sit for about 5 minutes, and serve.

Nutrition Facts : @context http, Calories 316, UnsaturatedFat 9 grams, Carbohydrate 30 grams, Fat 15 grams, Fiber 5 grams, Protein 15 grams, SaturatedFat 5 grams, Sodium 238 milligrams, Sugar 2 grams, TransFat 0 grams

QUINOA-AND-SPINACH PILAF



Quinoa-and-Spinach Pilaf image

This quick-cooking, whole-grain side is good with beef short ribs, grilled chicken, hamburgers.

Provided by Martha Stewart

Categories     Food & Cooking     Ingredients     Pasta and Grains     Quinoa Recipes

Number Of Ingredients 8

1 tablespoon unsalted butter
1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
1 clove garlic, minced
1 cup rinsed quinoa
1 1/4 cups water
5 cups baby spinach (5 ounces)
1 tablespoon grated lemon zest
Salt and pepper

Steps:

  • In a large saucepan, melt butter over medium. Add onion and garlic; cook until soft, about 4 minutes. Add quinoa and cook 1 minute. Add water and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer, covered, until water is absorbed, about 20 minutes. Stir in spinach and lemon zest, then season with salt and pepper.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 215 g, Fat 5 g, Fiber 5 g, Protein 7 g, SaturatedFat 2 g

QUINOA PILAF



Quinoa Pilaf image

A delicious and easy quinoa recipe. Serve with a salad and crusty bread for a complete meal.

Provided by JBUCK123

Categories     Side Dish     Grain Side Dish Recipes

Time 35m

Yield 4

Number Of Ingredients 7

1 tablespoon vegetable oil
½ cup chopped onion
2 carrots, chopped
1 cup quinoa, rinsed
2 cups vegetable broth
¾ cup chopped walnuts
¼ cup chopped fresh parsley

Steps:

  • Heat oil in a saucepan over medium-high heat. Cook onion in oil for 5 minutes, or until translucent. Add carrot, and cook 3 minutes more. Stir in quinoa and vegetable broth, and bring to a boil. Reduce to a simmer, cover, and cook 15 to 20 minutes, or until quinoa is tender and fluffy.
  • In a bowl, toss quinoa together with walnuts and parsley. Serve hot or at room temperature.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 365.2 calories, Carbohydrate 36.9 g, Fat 20.9 g, Fiber 7 g, Protein 10.1 g, SaturatedFat 1.9 g, Sodium 259.8 mg, Sugar 4.5 g

SPICY QUINOA AND SPINACH PULAO (PILAF)



Spicy Quinoa and Spinach Pulao (Pilaf) image

This spicy quinoa pulao with Indian flavors is made with quinoa rather than rice for added protein!

Provided by charisma

Categories     Side Dish     Grain Side Dish Recipes

Time 35m

Yield 4

Number Of Ingredients 17

2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon cumin seeds (jeera)
2 teaspoons minced garlic
1 ½ teaspoons ground cumin (jeera)
1 ½ teaspoons ground coriander (dhana)
1 ½ teaspoons chile powder
1 teaspoon minced ginger
¾ teaspoon minced Thai chile pepper
¼ teaspoon pav bhaji masala
¼ teaspoon ground turmeric (haldi)
1 yellow onion, diced
1 ½ vine-ripened tomatoes, diced
4 cups finely chopped fresh spinach
3 cups water
1 ½ cups uncooked quinoa
1 cup chopped fresh cilantro, or to taste
1 lemon, cut into wedges

Steps:

  • Heat olive oil in a large wok over medium heat. Add cumin seeds and let sizzle for 30 seconds. Add garlic, ground cumin, coriander, chile powder, ginger, chile pepper, pav bhaji masala, and turmeric; saute until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Stir in onion; saute until translucent, about 5 minutes. Stir in tomatoes and cook until the tomato smell goes away. Mix in spinach; cook until wilted, 2 to 3 minutes.
  • Pour water and quinoa into the wok. Bring to a simmer; cook, stirring occasionally, until water is absorbed, 8 to 12 minutes. Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro and lemon wedges.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 354 calories, Carbohydrate 54.7 g, Fat 11.5 g, Fiber 9 g, Protein 12 g, SaturatedFat 1.5 g, Sodium 46.6 mg, Sugar 4.2 g

Tips:

  • Use a good quality quinoa: Look for quinoa that is light and fluffy, with no signs of moisture or pests.
  • Rinse the quinoa before cooking: This will help to remove any saponins, which are bitter compounds found on the surface of the quinoa.
  • Cook the quinoa according to the package directions: The cooking time will vary depending on the type of quinoa you are using.
  • Fluff the quinoa with a fork before serving: This will help to separate the grains and make the quinoa light and fluffy.
  • Add your favorite vegetables, herbs, and spices to the quinoa: This is a great way to customize the flavor of the dish.
  • Serve the quinoa as a side dish or main course: It is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed in many different ways.

Conclusion:

Cheesy quinoa pilaf with spinach is a delicious and healthy dish that is perfect for a quick and easy meal. It is packed with protein, fiber, and vitamins, and it can be customized to your liking. Whether you serve it as a side dish or a main course, this dish is sure to please everyone at the table.

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