Description
A fluffy, nutty, and savory quinoa pilaf made with toasted grains, fresh garlic, herbs, and crunchy almonds. This healthy side dish is ready in 30 minutes and perfect for meal prep or impressing guests.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup white quinoa (185g)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (30g)
- 1 ¾ cups vegetable or chicken broth (420ml)
- 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced (150g)
- 4–5 cloves garlic, minced (2 tablespoons)
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- ½ cup sliced almonds (50g)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Optional: 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- Optional: ¼ cup crumbled feta cheese
Instructions
- Rinse the quinoa in a fine-mesh strainer under cold running water for 1-2 minutes to remove the bitter saponin coating. Drain well.
- Heat a medium skillet over medium heat. Add sliced almonds in a single layer and toast for 2-3 minutes until golden brown and fragrant. Remove almonds from the pan and set aside.
- In the same skillet, melt butter over medium-low heat. Add diced onion and cook for 2-3 minutes until soft and translucent.
- Add minced garlic and cook for 30-60 seconds, stirring constantly, until fragrant but not brown.
- Add the rinsed quinoa to the skillet and stir to coat in the butter. Toast for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until grains turn slightly translucent.
- Pour in the broth and add dried thyme, parsley, salt, and pepper. Stir once to combine.
- Bring to a boil, then immediately reduce heat to low. Cover with a tight-fitting lid and simmer gently for 15 minutes. Do not lift the lid.
- Remove from heat and let rest covered for 5 minutes to allow steam to finish cooking the grains.
- Fluff the quinoa with a fork. Stir in half of the toasted almonds and optional add-ins like lemon juice or feta.
- Transfer to a serving bowl and top with the remaining toasted almonds. Serve warm.
Notes
Do not skip rinsing the quinoa to avoid bitterness. Toasting the quinoa before adding liquid adds a nutty flavor. Keep the lid on while simmering to ensure even cooking. Let the quinoa rest for 5 minutes after cooking to become fluffy. Almonds burn easily, so watch them closely while toasting.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: Approximately 1 cup
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 2
- Sodium: 320
- Fat: 9
- Saturated Fat: 3
- Carbohydrates: 28
- Fiber: 4
- Protein: 6
Keywords: quinoa pilaf, garlic herb quinoa, toasted almonds, healthy side dish, gluten-free, meal prep, 30 minute dinner, vegetarian