Best 5 Red Quinoa And Lentil Pilaf Recipes

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**Red Quinoa and Lentil Pilaf: A Colorful and Flavorful Dish**

Indulge in a delightful culinary journey with our Red Quinoa and Lentil Pilaf, a vibrant and aromatic dish that tantalizes the taste buds. This wholesome and nutritious pilaf combines the goodness of red quinoa, lentils, and an array of flavorful spices. The red quinoa adds a nutty flavor and chewy texture, while the lentils provide a boost of protein and fiber. A blend of aromatic spices, including cumin, coriander, and turmeric, infuses the dish with warmth and depth of flavor. You'll also find a symphony of colorful vegetables, such as carrots, bell peppers, and peas, adding a delightful crunch and a pop of color to each bite. Whether served as a main course or a hearty side dish, this Red Quinoa and Lentil Pilaf is a culinary masterpiece that will leave you craving for more. Explore our diverse collection of recipes to discover variations of this dish, including a One-Pot Red Quinoa and Lentil Pilaf for a quick and easy meal, a hearty Red Quinoa and Lentil Soup for chilly days, and a zesty Mexican Red Quinoa and Lentil Bowl for a fiesta of flavors. Embark on a culinary adventure and let the vibrant flavors of Red Quinoa and Lentil Pilaf tantalize your taste buds.

Here are our top 5 tried and tested recipes!

RED LENTIL, QUINOA, AND FLAXSEED PILAF



Red Lentil, Quinoa, and Flaxseed Pilaf image

Look for red lentils and quinoa at a large supermarket or a store that carries a wide selection of legumes and grains. Pairing them with flaxseeds boosts the nutrition of this pilaf.

Provided by EatingWell Test Kitchen

Categories     Low-Calorie Quinoa Recipes

Time 50m

Number Of Ingredients 10

⅓ cup dry red lentils
⅓ cup quinoa
1 tablespoon olive oil
⅓ cup finely chopped shallots or onion
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons flaxseeds
1 (14 ounce) can reduced-sodium chicken broth
1 large red or green sweet pepper, chopped
1 teaspoon snipped fresh thyme or 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme, crushed
1 bunch Fresh thyme sprigs

Steps:

  • Rinse and drain lentils and quinoa separately. In a medium saucepan, heat oil over medium heat. Add shallots and garlic; cook and stir for 3 minutes. Add quinoa and flaxseeds; cook and stir about 5 minutes or until quinoa is lightly browned.
  • Add lentils and chicken broth. Bring to boiling; reduce heat. Cover and simmer for 15 minutes. Stir in sweet pepper and snipped or dried thyme. Cover and cook about 5 minutes more or until quinoa and lentils are tender. Let stand, covered, for 5 minutes. If desired, garnish with thyme sprigs.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 151.8 calories, Carbohydrate 20.2 g, Fat 5.5 g, Fiber 4.3 g, Protein 6.8 g, SaturatedFat 0.6 g, Sodium 198.3 mg, Sugar 2.3 g

QUINOA AND RED LENTIL STEW



Quinoa and Red Lentil Stew image

This quinoa and red lentil stew is healthy and hearty. Flavorful but not spicy... A great dish for the whole family. This stew tastes even better after it's been refrigerated overnight. Keeps 3 to 4 days in the fridge.

Provided by deirdreb

Categories     Everyday Cooking     Vegetarian     Soups and Stews     Stew

Time 1h25m

Yield 8

Number Of Ingredients 17

2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
2 tablespoons salted butter
4 medium russet potatoes, peeled and diced
3 medium carrots, peeled and thinly sliced
1 medium yellow onion, diced
2 stalks celery, chopped
1 cup tri-colored quinoa, rinsed and dried
1 cup dry red lentils, rinsed and drained
1 teaspoon ground black pepper
½ teaspoon sea salt, or more to taste
2 (32 ounce) cartons chicken broth
1 teaspoon mild curry powder
½ teaspoon ground cumin
¼ teaspoon ground ginger
½ cup plain yogurt, or to taste
1 medium avocado, diced
3 stalks green onions, sliced

Steps:

  • Heat oil and butter in a heavy-bottomed stock pot over medium heat until shimmering. Add potatoes, carrots, onion, celery, quinoa, and lentils; stir until coated. Cook until onions are translucent, about 10 minutes. Season with pepper and 1/2 teaspoon salt.
  • Stir in chicken broth and increase heat to medium-high; bring to a boil. Cover and cook, stirring once or twice, for 10 minutes.
  • Uncover and stir in curry powder, cumin, and ginger until well incorporated. Reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for 35 minutes. Taste and season with more sea salt as needed.
  • Ladle warm stew into bowls and garnish with yogurt, avocado, and green onion.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 387.8 calories, Carbohydrate 55.6 g, Cholesterol 14.1 mg, Fat 12.5 g, Fiber 14.2 g, Protein 14.4 g, SaturatedFat 3.2 g, Sodium 1249.9 mg, Sugar 5.7 g

QUINOA WITH CHICKEN AND LENTILS



Quinoa with Chicken and Lentils image

This low-calorie Middle Eastern-inspired dinner uses darkly browned onions and a few spices to develop big flavor without relying on extra fat. A small amount of leftover rotisserie chicken makes this balanced meal budget-friendly, too.

Provided by Food Network Kitchen

Categories     main-dish

Time 40m

Yield 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 13

1 cup quinoa
1 15-ounce can lentils, strained and rinsed
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, chopped
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Zest and juice of 1/2 lemon
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
1 cup shredded rotisserie chicken, white meat with skin removed
2 cups whole frozen green beans
2 tablespoons toasted, sliced almonds
1/4 cup 2-percent Greek yogurt

Steps:

  • Put the quinoa in a fine mesh strainer and rinse under cold running water until the water runs clear. Bring a small saucepan of water to a boil, add the quinoa and cook until it is translucent and tender and the threadlike germ wraps around each kernel, 8 to 12 minutes. Strain the quinoa well, return it to the saucepan and stir in the lentils; cover and keep warm.
  • Heat the oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add the onions and cook, stirring frequently, until deep golden brown, 5 to 7 minutes. Add the garlic, cumin, cinnamon, lemon zest, 3/4 teaspoon salt and a few grinds of pepper and stir until toasted and fragrant, about 1 minute. Add 1/2 cup water and scrape up any brown bits. Add the chicken, bring to a simmer and cook until almost all of the liquid evaporates and the chicken is moistened, about 2 minutes.
  • Meanwhile, put the green beans in a microwave-safe bowl with 1 tablespoon water. Cover and microwave until hot, about 3 minutes
  • Add the chicken-onion mixture, lemon juice and 1/4 teaspoon salt to the quinoa-lentil mixture and stir to combine. Divide among four bowls. Top each with greens beans, almonds and a dollop of yogurt.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 370 calorie, Fat 14 grams, SaturatedFat 2.5 grams, Cholesterol 25 milligrams, Sodium 590 milligrams, Carbohydrate 41 grams, Fiber 8 grams, Protein 20 grams, Sugar 6 grams

LENTIL QUINOA SALAD



Lentil Quinoa Salad image

Provided by Melissa d'Arabian : Food Network

Time 45m

Yield 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 11

1/2 cup quinoa
1 1/4 cups water, plus 2 cups
1/2 cup lentils
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
1/4 cup vegetable oil
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1 lime, zested
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
2 green onions, chopped
1 tablespoon chopped fresh cilantro leaves

Steps:

  • Put the quinoa in a sieve and rinse in cold water. In a large microwave-proof bowl with a cover, add the rinsed quinoa and 1 1/4 cups water. Cover and microwave on high for 9 minutes. Let it sit for 2 minutes then stir. Quinoa should be tender enough to eat, but with a little "pop" upon biting.
  • Put the lentils in a sieve and rinse in cold water. In a saucepan, simmer the lentils in 2 cups water until the lentils are tender, but not mushy, about 30 minutes. Drain and cool.
  • In a small bowl, whisk the mustard and vinegar together, and drizzle in the oil to make an emulsion. Add the garlic powder, lime zest, and salt, and pepper, to taste.
  • To assemble the salad: In a medium salad bowl, mix the quinoa, lentils, green onions, and chopped cilantro. Top the salad with the dressing, toss to coat and serve.

RED LENTIL PILAF



Red Lentil Pilaf image

Make and share this Red Lentil Pilaf recipe from Food.com.

Provided by Derf2440

Categories     Lunch/Snacks

Time 20m

Yield 4 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 9

2 tablespoons trimmed and chopped green onions
1/3 cup seeded, diced green bell pepper
1/3 cup peeled, diced carrot
1/2 cup peeled, diced zucchini
1/2 cup dried red lentil
1 cup fat-free low-sodium chicken broth
1 clove garlic, smashed
1 dash cayenne pepper (or to taste)
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

Steps:

  • Combine the veggies in a heavy frying pan.
  • Cook for about 5 minutes over low heat, stirring constantly, until the green onion wilts Add the lentils, chicken broth, and garlic.
  • Stir.
  • Bring to a boil over medium heat, then lower the heat, cover and simmer for 10 minutes.
  • Stir in the cayenne pepper and parsley.
  • Take care not to overcook, the lentils should have a crunch.

Tips:

  • Be mindful of quinoa and lentil ratios: The suggested quinoa to lentil ratio is 1:1, but you can adjust it based on your preference. For a heartier pilaf, use more lentils, and for a fluffier texture, increase the quinoa.
  • Rinse and sort lentils before cooking: This step removes impurities and ensures even cooking. Discard any discolored or damaged lentils.
  • Toast the spices: Toasting whole spices in hot oil releases their flavors and enhances the overall taste of the pilaf.
  • Use vegetable broth for added flavor: If you don't have vegetable broth on hand, you can use water instead. However, the broth will add a richer, more flavorful taste to the pilaf.
  • Cook the pilaf until the liquid is absorbed: The cooking time may vary depending on the type of quinoa and lentils you use. Keep an eye on the pilaf as it cooks and add more liquid if necessary.
  • Fluff the pilaf before serving: Once the pilaf is cooked, use a fork to gently fluff it, separating the grains and lentils. This will give it a light and airy texture.

Conclusion:

Red quinoa and lentil pilaf is a delicious, healthy, and versatile dish that can be enjoyed as a main course or a side dish. With its vibrant color, nutty flavor, and protein-packed ingredients, it's a perfect addition to any meal. Whether you're looking for a quick and easy weeknight dinner or a show-stopping dish for a special occasion, this pilaf is sure to impress. Experiment with different herbs, spices, and vegetables to create your perfect pilaf recipe.

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