Best 4 Quinoa And Spinach Pilaf Recipes

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Indulge in the culinary delight of our delectable Quinoa and Spinach Pilaf, a vibrant and flavorful dish that combines the goodness of protein-packed quinoa, tender baby spinach, aromatic herbs, and a symphony of spices. This wholesome pilaf not only tantalizes the taste buds but also nourishes the body.

Quinoa, an ancient grain prized for its nutritional value, forms the base of this pilaf, providing a complete protein source along with a wealth of essential amino acids, fiber, and vital minerals. Baby spinach, brimming with vitamins, antioxidants, and minerals, adds a vibrant green hue and a subtle earthy flavor. Herbs like mint, parsley, and cilantro infuse the pilaf with a refreshing aromatic touch, while cumin and turmeric lend their warm, earthy notes.

This versatile recipe can be easily tailored to suit your dietary preferences and culinary creativity. For a vegan version, simply substitute vegetable broth for chicken broth. If you prefer a nuttier flavor, toast the quinoa before cooking. Experiment with different vegetables, such as diced bell peppers, carrots, or zucchini, to add even more color and nutrients to the dish.

Whether you're planning a wholesome breakfast, a light lunch, or a comforting dinner, our Quinoa and Spinach Pilaf is sure to become a favorite. Its versatility extends beyond mealtimes; serve it as a delectable side dish to grilled meats or fish, or pack it for a nutritious on-the-go meal. With its irresistibly fluffy texture and delightful medley of flavors, this pilaf will leave you feeling satisfied and energized.

Here are our top 4 tried and tested recipes!

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 AND SPINACH PILAF



Quinoa and Spinach Pilaf image

Great with any meat.

Provided by Jahangir Khan

Categories     Side Dish     Grain Side Dish Recipes

Time 35m

Yield 4

Number Of Ingredients 8

1 tablespoon unsalted butter
1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
1 clove garlic, minced
1 cup quinoa
1 ¼ cups water
5 (5 ounce) packages baby spinach
1 tablespoon grated lemon zest
salt and ground black pepper to taste

Steps:

  • Melt butter in a large saucepan over medium heat; cook and stir onion and garlic until onion is softened, about 4 minutes. Add quinoa to onion mixture; cook and stir for about 1 minute more.
  • Pour water over quinoa mixture; bring to a boil. Reduce heat to medium, cover saucepan, and simmer until quinoa is tender and water is absorbed, about 20 minutes.
  • Stir spinach and lemon zest into quinoa mixture; season with salt and pepper.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 231.4 calories, Carbohydrate 35.8 g, Cholesterol 7.6 mg, Fat 6.2 g, Fiber 7.3 g, Protein 11.4 g, SaturatedFat 2.2 g, Sodium 145.6 mg, Sugar 1.6 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

CARROT, TOMATO, AND SPINACH QUINOA PILAF WITH GROUND TURKEY



Carrot, Tomato, and Spinach Quinoa Pilaf with Ground Turkey image

I took some leftover quinoa pilaf and added black beans and ground turkey. It made an excellent one-dish meal that hits the table in a hurry. I found it was a good way to use up the leftovers from another dinner. We have the pilaf as a side dish for the two of us, and it is always too much. Adding ground turkey and black beans makes another unique meal that is quick to prepare. Enjoy!

Provided by steveweis

Categories     Meat and Poultry Recipes     Turkey     Ground Turkey Recipes

Time 1h

Yield 5

Number Of Ingredients 13

2 teaspoons olive oil
1 cup quinoa
½ onion, chopped
2 cups water
2 tablespoons chicken-flavored vegetable bouillon
1 teaspoon ground black pepper
1 teaspoon ground thyme
1 carrot, chopped
1 tomato, chopped
1 cup baby spinach
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 pound ground turkey, or more to taste
1 (14.5 ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained

Steps:

  • Heat 2 teaspoons olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat; cook and stir onion in hot oil until translucent, about 5 minutes. Reduce heat to medium-low, stir quinoa with the onion, and cook, stirring constantly, until the quinoa is lightly toasted, about 2 minutes.
  • Pour water into the saucepan; add bouillon granules, black pepper, and thyme. Bring the liquid to a boil, place a cover on the saucepan, reduce heat to low, and cook at a simmer until the quinoa softens, about 5 minutes.
  • Stir carrot into the quinoa mixture, replace cover, and continue to cook at a simmer until water is completely absorbed, about 10 minutes more.
  • Remove saucepan from heat. Stir tomato and baby spinach into the quinoa mixture until the spinach wilts, about 2 minutes.
  • Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook and stir turkey in the hot skillet until browned and crumbly, 5 to 7 minutes; drain and discard grease. Reduce heat to medium-low. Stir black beans with the turkey; cook and stir until the beans are hot, 2 to 3 minutes; add the quinoa mixture, stir, and cook until heated through, about 5 minutes more.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 421.6 calories, Carbohydrate 40.8 g, Cholesterol 66.9 mg, Fat 16.6 g, Fiber 9.6 g, Protein 28.6 g, SaturatedFat 3.1 g, Sodium 396 mg, Sugar 2.8 g

Tips:

  • Use a good quality quinoa. Organic quinoa is a great option, as it is grown without the use of pesticides or herbicides.
  • Rinse the quinoa thoroughly before cooking. This will remove any saponins, which are bitter compounds that can make the quinoa taste soapy.
  • Cook the quinoa according to the package directions. Most quinoa takes about 15 minutes to cook.
  • 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 pilaf. This is a great way to customize the dish to your own taste.
  • Serve the pilaf as a side dish or main course. It is also a great addition to salads, soups, and stews.

Conclusion:

Quinoa and spinach pilaf is a delicious and healthy dish that is perfect for any occasion. It is easy to make and can be customized to your own taste. With its high protein and fiber content, quinoa is a great choice for those looking for a healthy and nutritious meal. So next time you are looking for a quick and easy side dish or main course, give quinoa and spinach pilaf a try!

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