Quinoa Pilaf

Prep Time 5 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings 6

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I have to admit (I feel like I start like that a lot – like you must think I have a lot to confess to you), I haven’t cooked a lot of quinoa in my days.

light blue bowl filled with quinoa pilaf topped with peppers and green onions

I know, I know – I’m a little late jumping on the quinoa bandwagon.

But the nice thing about testing and reviewing cookbooks is the chance to try something new.

The second cookbook I’ve been privileged enough to peruse and test out is Miss Vickie’s Kitchen from Vickie Kerr, creator of Miss Vickie’s Potato Chips.

If you don’t already know, Miss Vickie makes the best potato chips. And, no, this post is not sponsored. They’re just that good.

In high school we had a bit of an obsession with Miss Vickie’s salt and vinegar chips. And then I became an adult and had to start pretending to eat like a responsible adult.

So I was pretty excited to try out the cookbook from Miss Vickie herself, and there are so many things I love about it.

  • The absolutely classic recipes: from Potato Salad and Shepherd’s Pie to Apple Crisp and Pumpkin Pie. These are recipes that the whole family can enjoy.
  • The story behind the recipes: family recipes are the best kind!
  • The family photos: it’s so neat to see the story behind a product, and behind the author. I love the simple, humble beginnings of such an iconic brand.

When I saw the recipe, I definitely needed to try it. Quinoa isn’t something I’ve cooked a lot of in my day, but it’s such an awesome grain to incorporate into your diet.

blue bowl filled with quinoa pilaf topped with red peppers carrots and green onions

I read through the recipe at first, and decided there were a few things I wanted to try to change. The quinoa and the veggies are cooked separately in the original recipe, but I’m all about keeping things simple and I wanted to see if I could do it in one pot.

I also reduced the oil a bit and increased my veggies. I’m not a big veggie lover, but incorporating cooked vegetables into other dishes is one of the ways I sneak them into my own diet. I also cooked the quinoa in chicken broth to add in even more flavor.

I was really pleased with the result! It’s a great side dish to serve alongside any kind of meal.

You’ll find the original recipe along with many other classic comfort food recipes in Miss Vickie’s Kitchen.

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Quinoa Pilaf

5 from 2 votes
Quinoa Pilaf: a protein and veggie filled side dish that goes with anything! www.thereciperebel.com
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Cuisine American
Course Side Dish
Servings 6
Calories 271cal

Ingredients

  • 1/8 cup olive or vegetable oil
  • 1 cup diced carrots
  • 1/2 cup diced celery
  • 1 red pepper diced
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1/2 tsp dried thyme
  • 2 cups quinoa dry, rinsed
  • 4 cups chicken broth
  • Salt to taste
  • Diced green onions for garnish

Instructions

  • In a medium pot over medium-high heat, combine oil, carrots, celery, and pepper. Cook for 10-15 minutes, until vegetables are tender-crisp. Add garlic and cook 1 minute.
  • Add quinoa and cook 1 minute. Add chicken broth and bring to a simmer. Cover, reduce heat and simmer for about 15 minutes, until the liquid is absorbed and quinoa is tender. Add salt to taste.

Nutrition Information

Calories: 271cal | Carbohydrates: 40g | Protein: 9g | Fat: 8g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Sodium: 644mg | Potassium: 496mg | Fiber: 5g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 4225IU | Vitamin C: 27.1mg | Calcium: 45mg | Iron: 3.1mg

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Meet Ashley

My name is Ashley Fehr and I love creating easy meals my family loves. I also like to do things my way, which means improvising and breaking the rules when necessary. Here you will find creative twists on old favorites and some of my favorite family recipes, passed down from generations!

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Comments

  1. Thalia @ butter and brioche says

    I usually make a large batch of quinoa at the start of the week then use it in power bowls and salads for weeknight dinners – so this pilaf recipe is just ideal for me. Thanks for sharing it – you definitely can consider I will be making it.

  2. Mary Frances says

    Oh that pilaf is so pretty! Our kiddos would dig in simply because of how it looks and then figure out later how good it tastes too! 🙂 Haha, I go on food phases too. My dad says I’m such a fad foodie, eating the same thing for weeks and then never eating it again … what can I say 🙂 I think quinoa is here to stay though, and deservedly so!

  3. Joanie @ ZagLeft says

    I love quinoa but it’s been awhile since I made it. When I first discovered it, I made it all the time. I need to make it again because it’s so good. I love all the pretty veggies in your recipe too!

  4. Christina @ Bake with Christina says

    Your recipe looks so yummy and healthy! Would be such a great addition to a any meal! 🙂

  5. Kelly - Life Made Sweeter says

    Oh my gosh, Miss Vickie’s chips were my favorite growing up! I am a big fan of quinoa and usually make a big batch for the week but can’t seem to get my husband on the bandwagon. This pilaf looks delicious! The veggies give it such a pretty pop of color!

    • Ashley says

      Right?!?! I love that you’re the first person to comment on the Miss Vickie’s! Lol. SO good, and I love the book, too!

  6. Beth says

    You make me laugh Ashley! I actually make homemade quinoa granola bars every week, so we go through lots of quinoa. I do love that you cooked the quinoa in chicken broth!

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