Lemon-Infused Quinoa Pilaf with Fresh Vegetables

Recipe Collection: Side Dish

Lemon-Infused Quinoa Pilaf with Fresh Vegetables is a vibrant vegetarian dish that combines the nutty essence of quinoa with a medley of tender vegetables. This South American-inspired recipe is perfect for those seeking a nutritious, gluten-free option that bursts with flavor. The bright lemon notes enhance the dish, making it a versatile side for grilled proteins or a light main course. Ideal for meal prep, you can easily select this recipe from the easyChef Pro App, which offers personalized recommendations, AI-powered pantry tracking, and a smart shopping list for cost-effective meal planning.

Overview

This Vegetable Quinoa Pilaf is a delightful and healthy side dish that combines the nutty flavor of quinoa with the freshness of vegetables and a zesty lemon kick. Perfect for a light meal or as a side to your favorite main dish, this pilaf is both nutritious and flavorful.

Diet Type

Vegetarian

Allergies

None

Cuisine

South American

Serving Size: 3

Cooking Time: 50 minutes

Ingredients

• 1 Tablespoon (tbsp) olive oil
• 0.5 Medium onion, minced
• 1 Stalk celery, minced
• 2 Medium carrots, diced
• 0.5 Cups quinoa
• 1 Cup hot water
• 1 Whole bay leaf
• 1 Tablespoon lemon zest, zested
• 1 Tablespoon lemon juice
• 0.5 Cups frozen green peas, thawed
• 1 Pinch salt, to taste
• 1 Pinch ground black pepper, to taste

Steps

1. Pour the olive oil into a medium saucepan and place over medium heat. Add the minced onion, minced celery, and diced carrots. Cook and stir for 10 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.
2. Using a strainer, rinse the quinoa under cold water and drain well. Stir the quinoa into the vegetables and cook for 1 minute.
3. Add the hot water, bay leaf, lemon zest, and lemon juice to the saucepan. Bring to a boil, then cover and reduce the heat to medium-low. Simmer for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the liquid is absorbed and the quinoa is tender.
4. Discard the bay leaf. Stir in the thawed green peas and season to taste with 1 pinch salt and 1 pinch ground black pepper. Serve warm.

Enjoy your homemade Lemon-Infused Quinoa Pilaf with Fresh Vegetables!