Toasted Almond and Quinoa Pilaf

Elevate your side dish game with this Toasted Almond and Quinoa Pilaf, a wholesome blend of nutty quinoa, golden-toasted almonds, and aromatic vegetables. This recipe pairs protein-packed quinoa with sautéed onions, garlic, carrots, and celery, all simmered in flavorful vegetable broth for a light yet satisfying dish. The slivered almonds add a delightful crunch and a roasted depth of flavor, while a garnish of fresh parsley brings vibrant color and freshness. Ready in just 40 minutes, this gluten-free and vegetarian recipe is perfect as a standalone weeknight meal or a nutrient-rich side for your favorite main dish. Serve warm and enjoy a symphony of textures and tastes in every bite!

Nutriscore Rating: 81/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:25 mins

Total Time:40 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 1 cup quinoa
• 2 cups vegetable broth
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 cup slivered almonds
• 1 medium yellow onion
• 2 large garlic cloves
• 1 large carrot
• 1 celery stalk
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley
• 0.5 teaspoons salt
• 0.25 teaspoons black pepper

Directions

Step 1

Rinse the quinoa thoroughly under cold water to remove any bitterness. Drain well.

Step 2

Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add the slivered almonds and toast them, stirring frequently, for 3-4 minutes until they are golden brown and fragrant. Remove the almonds from the pan and set aside.

Step 3

In the same saucepan, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Finely chop the yellow onion, mince the garlic, and dice the carrot and celery. Add the onion, garlic, carrot, and celery to the pan. Sauté for 5-7 minutes until the vegetables are softened and fragrant.

Step 4

Add the rinsed quinoa to the pan with the vegetables and stir for 1-2 minutes to lightly toast the grains.

Step 5

Pour in the vegetable broth. Add the salt and black pepper. Stir to combine, then bring the mixture to a boil.

Step 6

Reduce the heat to low, cover the saucepan, and let the mixture simmer for 18-20 minutes, or until the quinoa is tender and the liquid is absorbed.

Step 7

Once cooked, remove the saucepan from the heat and let it sit, covered, for 5 minutes. Fluff the quinoa with a fork.

Step 8

Gently mix in the toasted almonds and finely chopped fresh parsley. Adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper, if needed.

Step 9

Serve the quinoa pilaf warm as a side dish or a standalone meal. Garnish with extra parsley and toasted almonds for presentation, if desired.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1069.2g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1859.4

Total Fat 111.1g	0%
Saturated Fat 10.0g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 4.1g
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 3569.6mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 170.0g	0%
Dietary Fiber 25.3g	0%
Total Sugars 19.5g
Protein 63.7g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 464.1mg	0%
Iron 13.7mg	0%
Potassium 2523.8mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 51.7%

Protein: 13.2%

Carbs: 35.1%