Best 7 Quinoa And Corn Pilaf Recipes

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**Quinoa and Corn Pilaf: A Vibrant and Flavorful Dish**

Quinoa and Corn Pilaf is a vibrant and flavorful dish that combines the nutty taste of quinoa with the sweet crunch of corn. This pilaf is a perfect side dish for grilled meats, fish, or tofu, and it can also be served as a main course with a side of vegetables. The recipe is simple to follow and can be made in under 30 minutes. In addition to the classic quinoa and corn pilaf, this article also includes recipes for variations on the dish, such as a Mexican-inspired version with black beans and salsa, and a Mediterranean-inspired version with feta cheese and olives. With its versatility and delicious flavor, Quinoa and Corn Pilaf is a dish that everyone will enjoy.

Here are our top 7 tried and tested recipes!

VEGETABLE QUINOA PILAF



Vegetable Quinoa Pilaf image

Quinoa is a delicately flavored grain, native to South America. It can be found in most health food stores. For even more flavorful pilaf, use vegetable stock in place of the water.

Provided by Laura Jull

Categories     Side Dish     Grain Side Dish Recipes

Time 50m

Yield 3

Number Of Ingredients 12

1 tablespoon olive oil
½ onion, chopped
1 stalk celery, chopped
2 carrots, diced
½ cup quinoa
1 cup hot water
1 bay leaf
1 tablespoon lemon zest
1 tablespoon lemon juice
½ cup frozen green peas, thawed
salt to taste
ground black pepper to taste

Steps:

  • Pour oil into a medium saucepan, and place over medium heat. Add onion, celery, and carrots; cook and stir for 10 minutes, or until vegetables are tender.
  • Using a strainer, rinse quinoa under cold water. Drain well. Stir into the vegetables; cook and stir for 1 minute. Add water, bay leaf and lemon rind and juice; bring to boil. Cover, and reduce heat to medium low. Simmer for 15 to 20 minutes, or until liquid is absorbed and quinoa is tender.
  • Discard bay leaf. Stir in peas, and season to taste with salt and pepper. Serve.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 195 calories, Carbohydrate 29.1 g, Fat 6.5 g, Fiber 5.1 g, Protein 6.1 g, SaturatedFat 0.9 g, Sodium 76.8 mg, Sugar 4.8 g

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.

QUINOA AND BEAN PILAF



Quinoa and Bean Pilaf image

Provided by Food Network Kitchen

Categories     main-dish

Time 40m

Yield 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 14

2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
2 bell peppers (1 red, 1 green), cut into 1/2-inch pieces
3 scallions, sliced (white and green parts separated)
3 scallions, sliced (white and green parts separated)
2 stalks celery, diced
2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
2 tablespoons tomato paste
Pinch of cayenne pepper
Kosher salt
1 cup quinoa
2 15-ounce cans black and/or kidney beans, drained and rinsed
4 cups baby spinach (about 3 ounces)
1/2 cup shredded cheddar or pepper jack cheese
Hot sauce, for serving (optional)

Steps:

  • Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the bell peppers, scallion whites and celery and cook, stirring, until soft, about 5 minutes. Add the garlic, tomato paste, cayenne and 1/2 teaspoon salt and cook, stirring often, until the tomato paste turns brick red, about 2 minutes. Stir in the quinoa, then add 2 cups water and the beans. Bring to a simmer and cook, stirring often, until most of the water is absorbed and the quinoa is cooked through, about 15 minutes. Add up to 1/4 cup more water if necessary.
  • Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the spinach until just wilted. Stir in 1/2 teaspoon salt and half each of the scallion greens and cheese. Divide among bowls and sprinkle with the remaining scallion greens and cheese. Serve with hot sauce.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 394, Fat 15 grams, SaturatedFat 4 grams, Cholesterol 15 milligrams, Sodium 724 milligrams, Carbohydrate 53 grams, Fiber 9 grams, Protein 16 grams

ITALIAN BROCCOLI AND QUINOA PILAF



Italian Broccoli and Quinoa Pilaf image

Grains and vegetables unite! Quinoa, broccoli and sun-dried tomatoes come together in this simple side dish.

Provided by Betty Crocker Kitchens

Categories     Side Dish

Time 30m

Yield 6

Number Of Ingredients 10

1 tablespoon olive oil
1/4 cup finely chopped onion
2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
1 cup uncooked quinoa, well rinsed, drained
1/4 cup julienne-cut sun-dried tomatoes (not oil-packed)
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano leaves
1/4 teaspoon salt
2 cups water
2 cups frozen broccoli florets
Shredded fresh Parmesan cheese, if desired

Steps:

  • In 3-quart saucepan, heat oil over medium heat. Add onion and garlic; cook about 2 minutes or until onion is crisp-tender, stirring occasionally.
  • Add quinoa, sun-dried tomatoes, oregano, salt and water. Heat to boiling. Cover; reduce heat. Simmer 8 minutes. Uncover; stir in broccoli. Cover; cook 7 to 8 minutes longer or until broccoli and quinoa are tender.
  • To serve, sprinkle with Parmesan cheese.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 140, Carbohydrate 22 g, Cholesterol 0 mg, Fat 1/2, Fiber 3 g, Protein 5 g, SaturatedFat 1/2 g, ServingSize 1 Serving, Sodium 160 mg, Sugar 3 g, TransFat 0 g

QUINOA AND CORN PILAF



Quinoa and Corn Pilaf image

Categories     Side     Quinoa     Corn     Raw     Simmer

Yield 4 to 6 servings

Number Of Ingredients 6

1 cup quinoa, rinsed in a fine sieve
1 1/2 tablespoons light olive oil
1 large onion, quartered and thinly sliced
2 cups cooked fresh corn kernels (from 3 medium ears) or one 8-ounce package thawed frozen corn kernels
1 teaspoon cumin
Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste

Steps:

  • Bring 2 cups water to a simmer in a medium saucepan. Stir in the quinoa, cover, and simmer gently until the water is absorbed, about 15 minutes.
  • Meanwhile, heat the oil in a wide skillet. Add the onion and sauté over medium heat until golden. Stir in the corn kernels and continue to sauté until the onion begins to brown lightly.
  • Stir the cooked quinoa into the corn mixture along with the cumin, and season with salt and pepper. If a little more moisture is needed, stir in a small amount of water, and serve.
  • quinoa
  • Quinoa is a rediscovered food of ancient South American origin. Once the staple nourishment of the Inca culture, it's technically not a grain but the seed of an herb-like plant. Now grown in the American Rockies (replicating the harsh terrain of the Andes, where it once thrived), quinoa is still considered a specialty grain, thus, it is somewhat expensive. Nutritionally, though, you get a lot for your money-quinoa is considered a "super food" for its superb nutritional profile, which includes high-quality protein. Quinoa cooks to a fluffy texture in about 15 minutes and has a mild yet distinct flavor.
  • basic cooked quinoa
  • Use 2 parts water to 1 part quinoa. For variety, you may want to cook it in stock instead of water, or add a bouillon cube to the water. Rinse the quinoa in a fine sieve (very important, since raw quinoa has the residue of a natural, bitter substance called saponins). Bring water to a rapid simmer, then stir in the quinoa. Simmer gently, covered, until the water is absorbed, about 15 minutes. To use as a plain side dish or as a bed of grain, stir in just a touch of nonhydrogenated margarine and salt into the hot grain.
  • nutrition information
  • Calories: 221
  • Total Fat: 6g
  • Protein: 7g
  • Carbohydrate: 36g
  • Cholesterol: 0mg
  • Sodium: 7mg

BAKED GRAINS PILAF



Baked Grains Pilaf image

Delicious side dish for any meal!

Provided by whittothewhit

Categories     Side Dish     Grain Side Dish Recipes

Time 55m

Yield 8

Number Of Ingredients 9

1 tablespoon vegetable oil
1 onion, chopped
3 stalks celery, chopped
½ cup chopped bell pepper
½ cup corn kernels
¾ cup millet
¾ cup quinoa
1 teaspoon salt
3 cups low-sodium chicken stock

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
  • Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat; cook and stir onion, celery, bell pepper, and corn in the hot oil until softened, about 10 minutes.
  • Mix onion mixture, millet, quinoa, and salt together in an 8x8-inch casserole dish; pour in chicken stock. Cover dish with aluminum foil.
  • Bake in the preheated oven until grains are tender and have absorbed all the liquid, about 30 minutes.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 176 calories, Carbohydrate 29.5 g, Cholesterol 1.5 mg, Fat 3.8 g, Fiber 3.8 g, Protein 6.3 g, SaturatedFat 0.7 g, Sodium 349.6 mg, Sugar 2.5 g

QUINOA PILAF



Quinoa Pilaf image

This was delicious! Try something new--Quinoa provides all essential amino acids and is high in protein, iron and the B vitamins. Find it in the health/grain section of the supermarket.

Provided by Yogi8

Categories     Grains

Time 40m

Yield 6 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 10

4 cups water
2 cups quinoa
1 onion, chopped
4 garlic cloves, minced
2 stalks celery, minced
2 cups chopped kale
1 cup corn
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 cups cubed sweet potatoes
cayenne pepper or salt and pepper, to taste

Steps:

  • Bring water to boil in pot.
  • Stir in quinoa, lower heat, cover and simmer 10 minutes.
  • Leave cover on pot and let sit 10 minutes more.
  • Sauté onion, garlic, celery, kale and corn in fry pan 5-10 minutes.
  • Steam sweet potato till soft (5 minutes).
  • In large mixing bowl, toss quinoa with all veggies and season to taste.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 343.1, Fat 8.4, SaturatedFat 1.1, Sodium 65.3, Carbohydrate 60, Fiber 6.4, Sugar 3.8, Protein 10.2

Tips:

  • Choose the right quinoa: For this recipe, white quinoa is recommended as it cooks quickly and has a mild flavor. However, you can also use other varieties like red or black quinoa, which have a slightly nuttier taste and take a bit longer to cook.
  • Rinse the quinoa thoroughly: This step removes the bitter-tasting saponins, a natural coating on quinoa seeds. It's essential to rinse the quinoa well under cold water until the water runs clear.
  • Use the right amount of liquid: The liquid-to-quinoa ratio is crucial for achieving the perfect texture. For fluffy quinoa, use 1.5 cups of liquid (water or broth) for every cup of quinoa. If you prefer a creamier consistency, increase the liquid to 2 cups.
  • Cook the quinoa properly: Bring the quinoa and liquid to a boil in a saucepan, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the quinoa has absorbed all the liquid and the grains are tender. Do not stir the quinoa during cooking, as this can break the grains.
  • Fluff the quinoa: Once the quinoa is cooked, fluff it with a fork to separate the grains and remove any clumps. This will make the quinoa light and airy.
  • Use fresh and flavorful ingredients: The corn, bell peppers, and tomatoes in this recipe add color, texture, and flavor. Choose fresh, ripe vegetables for the best taste.
  • Season to taste: Don't forget to season the quinoa pilaf with salt, pepper, and other herbs and spices to your liking. You can also add a squeeze of lime juice or a dollop of Greek yogurt for extra flavor.

Conclusion:

Quinoa and corn pilaf is a delicious, healthy, and versatile dish that can be enjoyed as a main course or a side dish. With its vibrant colors and flavors, it's a perfect addition to any meal. The tips provided in this article will help you achieve the perfect texture and flavor every time you make this dish. Experiment with different ingredients and seasonings to create your own unique variations. Quinoa and corn pilaf is a great way to enjoy the goodness of quinoa and corn while incorporating a variety of vegetables into your diet.

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