Best 5 Toasted Almond And Quinoa Pilaf Recipes

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Embark on a culinary journey to savor the delightful symphony of toasted almond and quinoa pilaf, a dish that tantalizes the taste buds with its nutty aroma and fluffy texture. This versatile dish, deeply rooted in Middle Eastern cuisine, is an extraordinary blend of toasted almonds, fluffy quinoa, and an array of aromatic spices that come together to create a captivating symphony of flavors. It is an ideal accompaniment to grilled meats, roasted vegetables, or as a standalone dish.

The toasted almond and quinoa pilaf recipe presented in this article offers a step-by-step guide, ensuring culinary success even for novice cooks. It takes approximately 30 minutes to prepare and yields four servings of this delectable dish. This recipe caters to various dietary preferences, as it is gluten-free and can be easily adapted for vegan and vegetarian diets.

Additionally, the article features two alternative recipes that elevate the pilaf experience to new heights. The first variation introduces a medley of colorful vegetables, transforming the pilaf into a vibrant and nutritious main course. The second variation adds succulent shrimp, creating a seafood-inspired pilaf that is perfect for special occasions or everyday indulgence.

With its enticing flavors, adaptable nature, and ease of preparation, toasted almond and quinoa pilaf is a dish that will undoubtedly become a staple in your culinary repertoire. Whether you are a seasoned cook or just starting your culinary adventure, this article provides all the necessary guidance to create this exceptional dish. So, gather your ingredients, prepare your kitchen, and let's embark on a journey of taste and culinary delight.

Here are our top 5 tried and tested recipes!

TOASTED ALMOND AND QUINOA PILAF



Toasted Almond and Quinoa Pilaf image

From the LCBO's Food&Drink, Autumn 2011. This pilaf is surprisingly flavorful and makes for lovely presentation. It is easily made vegetarian by substituting vegetable stock. Though it is meant to be made with quinoa and almonds, I had millet and flax seed on hand, and it was still delicious. To use millet, add an extra 1/2 c of stock and give it an extra 5 minutes of both cooking and covered time.

Provided by Isabeau

Categories     Grains

Time 35m

Yield 1 pilaf, 4-6 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 12

1 3/4 cups chicken broth
1 cup quinoa, rinsed well and drained
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 shallot, peeled and finely diced
1 garlic clove, minced
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon fresh ground pepper
1 carrot, peeled and diced
2 medium beets, peeled and diced
2 green onions, thinly sliced
1 cup toasted slivered almonds
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

Steps:

  • In a medium sauce pan, bring broth to boil over medium-high heat. Add drained quinoa. Cover and reduce heat, simmering until most of the liquid has been absorbed, about 15 minutes (20 for millet). Remove from heat and let stand covered for 10 minutes (15 for millet). Fluff with fork and set aside.
  • In a large skillet, heat oil over medium-high heat. Add shallots and cook just until tender, about 3 minutes. Add garlic, salt, and pepper and cook until fragrant but not browned, about 1 minute. Add carrots, beets, and green onions, tossing to coat and cook 2 minutes. Stir in almonds and quinoa and toss gently until well combined. Sprinkle with parsley and serve warm or at room temperature. (Crumbled blue cheese optional topping).

QUINOA AND ALMOND PILAF



Quinoa and Almond Pilaf image

Quinoa, everyone's favorite so-called "ancient" grain, gets paired with nutty almonds and fresh parsley in this simple and quick side dish.

Provided by Martha Stewart

Categories     Food & Cooking     Ingredients     Pasta and Grains     Quinoa Recipes

Time 30m

Number Of Ingredients 6

2 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 shallot, minced
Salt and pepper
1 cup quinoa
1/2 cup toasted unsalted almonds, roughly chopped
1/2 cup fresh parsley, chopped

Steps:

  • In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium-high. Add shallot and cook until softened, 4 minutes. Season with salt and pepper. Add quinoa and cook 1 minute. Add 1 1/3 cups water, bring to simmer, and cover. Cook until water is absorbed, about 17 minutes. Let stand 10 minutes and then fluff with fork. Stir in almonds and parsley.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 315 g, Fat 17 g, Fiber 5 g, Protein 10 g, SaturatedFat 5 g

QUINOA ALMOND PILAF



Quinoa Almond Pilaf image

High-protein side dish with plenty of flavor and crunch. Rinsing the quinoa three times will help to eliminate any bitterness.

Provided by Ann Kosa

Categories     100+ Everyday Cooking Recipes     Vegan

Time 45m

Yield 3

Number Of Ingredients 16

½ cup quinoa, rinsed and drained
1 cup cold water
¼ teaspoon salt
3 tablespoons olive oil
1 celery rib, chopped
1 small onion, chopped
1 carrot, chopped
1 clove garlic, minced
8 almonds, coarsely chopped
1 small tomato, seeded and chopped
2 tablespoons raisins
⅛ teaspoon salt
⅛ teaspoon ground black pepper
⅛ teaspoon dried thyme
⅛ teaspoon dried oregano
1 pinch coarse sea salt

Steps:

  • Combine quinoa, cold water, and salt in a saucepan; bring to a boil, reduce heat to medium-low, place a cover on the saucepan, and cook until the liquid is fully absorbed, about 15 minutes.
  • Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Cook and stir celery, onion, carrot, and garlic in the hot oil until the onion is translucent, 5 to 7 minutes. Stir almonds, tomato, raisins, salt, pepper, thyme, and oregano into the vegetable mixture; cook and stir 1 minute more.
  • Fluff the quinoa with a fork and stir into the mixture in the skillet; cook and stir until evenly mixed and hot, about 30 seconds.
  • Divide between 3 plates; sprinkle the top of each portion with a scattering of a few coarse sea salt granules for a surprising crunch of salty goodness.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 303.1 calories, Carbohydrate 33 g, Fat 17.1 g, Fiber 5.9 g, Protein 6.2 g, SaturatedFat 2.1 g, Sodium 506 mg, Sugar 8.7 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 SALAD WITH TOASTED ALMONDS



Quinoa Salad with Toasted Almonds image

Quinoa has a wonderful nutty flavor; here it is blended in a salad with toasted almonds, bell pepper, zucchini, celery, and a lime is squeezed on top.

Provided by Martha Stewart

Categories     Food & Cooking     Salad Recipes

Time 35m

Yield Makes 2 Servings

Number Of Ingredients 12

1/4 cup slivered almonds
1/2 cup (3 ounces) quinoa
4 teaspoons olive oil
1 yellow bell pepper, ribs and seeds discarded, cut into 1/2-inch chunks
2 garlic cloves, minced
2 scallions, thinly sliced
1/8 teaspoon red-pepper flakes
1 teaspoon chopped fresh thyme, plus more for garnish (optional)
1/4 teaspoon coarse salt
1 medium zucchini, halved lengthwise and sliced 1/2-inch thick
1 large celery stalk, diced
1 lime, halved

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Toast almonds until crisp, lightly browned, and fragrant, about 7 minutes. Remove from oven and set aside. Meanwhile, place quinoa in a fine sieve and rinse under cold running water until the water runs clear; drain well.
  • In a medium saucepan, heat 2 teaspoons olive oil over medium heat. Add yellow pepper, garlic, scallions, and red-pepper flakes; cook until the pepper is crisp-tender, about 5 minutes.
  • Stir in quinoa, thyme, 1 cup water, and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Bring to a boil, reduce to a simmer, cover, and cook 7 minutes. Stir in zucchini, cover, and cook until quinoa is tender but not mushy, 5 to 8 minutes longer. Remove the saucepan from heat.
  • Stir in celery, almonds, and remaining 2 teaspoons oil, season with salt, and fluff with a fork. Cool to room temperature before packing into 2 containers and refrigerating. When ready to eat, squeeze lime over salad, if desired. Serve with additional lime wedge and thyme, if desired.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 368 g

Tips:

  • Choose the right quinoa: There are many different types of quinoa available, each with its own unique flavor and texture. For this recipe, we recommend using white quinoa, as it has a mild flavor that will allow the other ingredients to shine through.
  • Rinse the quinoa thoroughly: Quinoa is coated with a natural substance called saponin, which can give it a bitter taste. Rinsing the quinoa thoroughly before cooking will remove the saponin and ensure that the pilaf is fluffy and light.
  • Toast the almonds: Toasting the almonds before adding them to the pilaf will bring out their flavor and add a nice crunchy texture. Be sure to watch them closely so that they don't burn.
  • Use a good quality broth: The broth you use will have a big impact on the flavor of the pilaf. We recommend using a homemade broth, if possible. If you're using store-bought broth, be sure to choose a low-sodium variety.
  • Let the pilaf rest before serving: After the pilaf is cooked, let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. This will allow the flavors to meld and the quinoa to absorb any remaining liquid.

Conclusion:

This toasted almond and quinoa pilaf is a delicious and versatile side dish that can be served with a variety of main courses. It's also a great make-ahead dish, so you can enjoy it all week long. With its nutty flavor and fluffy texture, this pilaf is sure to be a hit at your next dinner party.

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