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.
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.
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.
Quinoa Pilaf
written by Ashley Fehr
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
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Jess @ Flying on Jess Fuel says
Yum, this sounds awesome! Welcome to the quinoa bandwagon! It’s one of my faves because it cooks SO much quicker than rice!
Ashley says
Thanks Jess! It’s nice to have some variety!
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.
Ashley says
That’s a great idea Thalia!
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!
Ashley says
Haha, thanks Mary Frances! We’ll see how long the quinoa craze will last 🙂
Alice @ Hip Foodie Mom says
Ashley, this quinoa pilaf looks great!! and ain’t no thing. . there are so many grains out there. . I feel like farro and lentils are hot now 😛
Ashley says
Definitely! Though I’ve never tried farro… Maybe next time!
Medha @ Whisk & Shout says
Yum! I love this pilaf… quinoa absorbs flavors so well 🙂
Ashley says
It totally does Medha!
Jaren (Diary of a Recipe Collector) says
This sounds like a great side dish! I am late on the quinoa bandwagon too.
Ashley says
Thanks Jaren!
Cyndi - My Kitchen Craze says
This looks delicious. I am not a fan of quinoa, but this looks perfect. My sis in law loves quinoa. I need to make this for her when she comes and visit. Its always good to impress the in laws, right?
Ashley says
Haha, right you are Cyndi! Thanks!
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!
Ashley says
Thanks Joanie!
Dorothy at Shockingly Delicious says
For one who cam late to quinoa, you have certainly made up for lost time!
Ashley says
Haha, thanks Dorothy!
Christina @ Bake with Christina says
Your recipe looks so yummy and healthy! Would be such a great addition to a any meal! 🙂
Ashley says
Thanks Christina!
Natalie @ Tastes Lovely says
I don’t really cook that much quinoa either. But this recipe has inspired me! This is a perfect picnic side dish : )
Ashley says
Definitely!
Sheena @ Hot Eats and Cool Reads says
I’m pretty new to the quinoa bandwagon too! This recipe looks so delicious!
Ashley says
Thanks Sheena!
Kacey @ The Cookie Writer says
I am not all over quinoa for the health properties, we just prefer the taste and texture of it! I love using it in all my meals, and find the brand I buy is a fair price. This pilaf looks gorgeous!
Ashley says
Thanks Kacey!
Shashi at RunninSrilankan says
My daughter and I eat a ton of quinoa – I love it – my daughter is a tad pickier – so I am always looking for ways to doctor it up for her – this would do the trick for sure!
Ashley says
There are so many ways to add some flavor to it!
Tonia from TheGunnySack says
I finally bought some quinoa and I am really excited to try out some recipes. I will have to try this one too!
Ashley says
You definitely will Tonia!
Annie @ ciaochowbambina says
I am a quinoa girl so I am loving this recipe! So bright and delicious! Pinned!
Ashley says
Thanks Annie!
Gayle @ Pumpkin 'N Spice says
Isn’t quinoa the best? I love finding new ways to use it. This pilaf dish looks fantastic, Ashley! I love the pretty pops of color from the veggies in here!
Ashley says
Thanks Gayle! I didn’t even mind all the veggies! Lol
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!
Sarah @ The Gold Lining Girl says
I go through phases with quinoa! I eat it for like 4 months straight, and then take a year off. Haha! I’m due to get back on the bandwwagon though! I love how colorful this pilaf is!
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!
Ashley says
Haha, we’re still getting on the bandwagon! But we’re getting there 🙂