Enjoy the flavors of a delicious and nutritious Savory Rice and Quinoa Pilaf. This recipe combines fluffy white rice, protein-rich quinoa, and a medley of vegetables and spices to create a satisfying and wholesome dish. Perfect as a side dish or a light meal on its own, this pilaf is easy to prepare and full of flavor. Plus, it's a great way to sneak in some extra nutrients into your diet!
Ingredients
- 1 cup white rice
- 1/2 cup quinoa
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 carrot, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 zucchini, diced
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Chopped parsley, for garnish
Directions
- In a fine-mesh sieve, rinse the rice and quinoa under cold water until the water runs clear.
- In a medium saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic and sauté until fragrant and translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add the carrot, red bell pepper, and zucchini to the pan and cook for an additional 3 minutes, until the vegetables begin to soften.
- Add the rice, quinoa, cumin, turmeric, salt, and pepper to the pan. Stir to combine all the ingredients.
- Pour in the vegetable broth and bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pan, and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the rice and quinoa are tender and the liquid is absorbed.
- Remove the pan from the heat and let it sit, covered, for 5 minutes.
- Fluff the pilaf with a fork and transfer it to a serving dish. Garnish with chopped parsley.
- Serve hot as a side dish or a light meal.
Interesting Facts
Quinoa is a complete protein source, containing all nine essential amino acids.
Rice and quinoa are gluten-free grains, making this pilaf suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
The combination of spices like cumin and turmeric adds a warm and earthy flavor to the dish.