Best 2 Quinoa Squash Pilaf Recipes

## Awaken Your Taste Buds with Quinoa Squash Pilaf: A Culinary Journey of Flavors and Textures

Embark on a delightful culinary adventure with quinoa squash pilaf, a tantalizing dish that combines the wholesome goodness of quinoa with the sweet and earthy flavors of roasted butternut squash. This versatile pilaf offers a symphony of textures, from the fluffy quinoa to the tender squash and crunchy pecans, making it a feast for both the palate and the eyes. Perfectly seasoned with a blend of aromatic spices, this dish promises a flavorful experience that will leave you craving for more. Delve into the depths of this recipe, along with its variations, to discover a world of culinary possibilities.

Here are our top 2 tried and tested recipes!

QUINOA SQUASH PILAF

Quinoa Squash Pilaf image

"This is a wonderful recipe with different flavors and plenty of good-for-you ingredients," Annette Spiegler promises from Arlington Heights, Illinois.

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories Side Dishes

Time 50m

Yield 8 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 17

Ingredients

1 cup quinoa, rinsed
1 can (14-1/2 ounces) vegetable broth
1/4 cup water
2 medium zucchini, halved lengthwise and sliced
1 medium yellow summer squash, halved lengthwise and sliced
1 cup chopped leeks (white portion only)
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 large tomato, chopped
1 tablespoon minced fresh cilantro
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon chili powder
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1/8 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
2 cups fresh baby spinach, chopped

Steps:

In a large nonstick skillet coated with cooking spray, toast the quinoa over medium heat until lightly browned, stirring occasionally. , In a small saucepan, bring broth and water to a boil. Add quinoa. Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 12-15 minutes or until liquid is absorbed. , In a large nonstick skillet, saute the zucchini, yellow squash and leeks in oil until vegetables are tender. Add garlic; cook 1 minute longer. Stir in the tomato, cilantro, seasonings and quinoa; heat through. Add spinach; cook and stir until spinach is wilted.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 126 calories, Fat 3g fat (0 saturated fat), Cholesterol 0 cholesterol, Sodium 377mg sodium, Carbohydrate 21g carbohydrate (3g sugars, Fiber 3g fiber), Protein 5g protein. Diabetic Exchanges

QUINOA PILAF WITH BUTTERNUT SQUASH & POMEGRANATE

QUINOA PILAF WITH BUTTERNUT SQUASH & POMEGRANATE image

Categories Apple

Number Of Ingredients 14

Ingredients

2 cup water
1 cup quinoa, uncooked
1 TBS extra-virgin olive oil
1 small butternut squash, peeled, seeded & cut into 1-inch chunks
1/2 cup onion, chopped
2 garlic cloves, diced
1/4 tsp salt
1/8 tsp black pepper, ground
2 tsp thyme, fresh
1 cup vegetable stock
3 TBS pomegranate syrup
1 TBS lemon juice
1/2 cup pomegranate arils
1/3 cup pistachios, shelled & chopped

Steps:

In a small pot, bring to boil: 2 cup water Stir in: 1 cup quinoa , uncooked Return to boil, then cover pot and reduce heat to simmer. Continue simmering until quinoa is cooked, approximately 12-15 minutes. In the meantime, heat a non-stick skillet over medium-high heat and add: 1 TBS extra-virgin olive oil When oil is hot, add: 1 small butternut squash , peeled, seeded & cut into 1-inch chunks 1/2 cup onion , chopped Sauté vegetables until they start to brown, then reduce heat to medium, approximately 10 minutes. Add to the vegetables: 2 garlic cloves , diced 1/4 tsp salt 1/8 tsp black pepper, ground 1 tsp thyme, fresh Mix in: 1 cup vegetable stock 3 TBS pomegranate syrup 1 TBS lemon juice Bring to a a boil and cook for 5 minutes, until squash is fork tender and liquid is reduced. Remove from heat. When quinoa is done, fluff with a fork and pour into a large mixing bowl. Gently mix in the squash mixture with the quinoa. Stir in: 1/2 cup pomegranate arils 1/3 cup pistachios , shelled & chopped 1 tsp thyme, fresh Adjust seasoning to taste and serve hot.

Tips:

Choose the right quinoa: There are many different types of quinoa available, each with its own unique flavor and texture. For this recipe, it is best to use a white or red quinoa, as they have a mild flavor that will not overpower the other ingredients.
Rinse the quinoa thoroughly: Before cooking the quinoa, it is important to rinse it thoroughly with cold water. This will help to remove any saponins, which are bitter compounds that can sometimes be found on the surface of the quinoa.
Use a flavorful broth: The broth that you use to cook the quinoa will have a big impact on the final flavor of the dish. For a more flavorful pilaf, use a vegetable broth or chicken broth instead of water.
Add vegetables and herbs: Vegetables and herbs are a great way to add flavor and nutrition to your pilaf. Some good options include diced butternut squash, chopped onion, minced garlic, and fresh thyme or rosemary.
Fluff the quinoa before serving: Once the quinoa is cooked, it is important to fluff it with a fork before serving. This will help to separate the grains and make the pilaf light and fluffy.

Conclusion:

Quinoa squash pilaf is a delicious and healthy side dish that can be enjoyed on its own or as part of a larger meal. It is easy to make and can be tailored to your own taste preferences. With its vibrant colors and nutty flavor, this pilaf is sure to be a hit with everyone at the table. So next time you're looking for a healthy and flavorful side dish, give quinoa squash pilaf a try!