Toasted Quinoa or Barley Pilaf

Elevate your mealtime with this flavorful Toasted Quinoa or Barley Pilaf, a versatile dish that balances hearty whole grains with fresh, aromatic vegetables and herbs. This recipe begins with the nutty aroma of toasted quinoa or barley, infused with dried thyme and a hint of bay leaf for a savory depth. Sautéed onion, garlic, carrot, and celery add a tender sweetness, while a dash of lemon juice (optional) brings a bright, zesty finish. Simmered in your choice of vegetable or chicken broth, this pilaf is both nourishing and satisfying. Perfect as a wholesome side dish or a light plant-based main, it’s ready in just 35 minutes and brimming with fresh parsley for a vibrant touch. Try this one-pot wonder for a simple yet elegant addition to your table!

Nutriscore Rating: 73/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:25 mins

Total Time:35 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 1 cup quinoa or barley
• 2 cups vegetable broth or chicken broth
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic cloves, minced
• 1 medium carrot, diced
• 1 medium celery stalk, diced
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
• 0.5 teaspoons dried thyme
• 1 piece bay leaf
• 0.5 teaspoons salt
• 0.25 teaspoons black pepper
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional)

Directions

Step 1

Rinse the quinoa or barley thoroughly under cold water in a fine mesh sieve to remove any excess starches or bitterness. Drain well.

Step 2

Heat 1 tablespoon of the olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add the quinoa or barley and toast, stirring frequently, until fragrant and lightly golden, about 3-5 minutes. Transfer the toasted grain to a bowl and set aside.

Step 3

In the same saucepan, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Heat over medium heat and sauté the onion, garlic, carrot, and celery until softened, about 5-7 minutes.

Step 4

Add the toasted quinoa or barley back into the pot. Stir in the dried thyme, bay leaf, salt, and black pepper. Mix well.

Step 5

Pour in the vegetable broth or chicken broth and bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce the heat to low, cover the saucepan with a tight-fitting lid, and simmer. Cook for 15-18 minutes for quinoa or 25-30 minutes for barley, or until the liquid is absorbed and the grain is tender.

Step 6

Remove the pot from heat and let it sit, covered, for 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.

Step 7

Discard the bay leaf. Fluff the pilaf with a fork and stir in the chopped parsley and optional lemon juice for brightness.

Step 8

Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Serve warm as a side dish or enjoy on its own as a light, nutritious main.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1052.2g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	625.4

Total Fat 32.8g	0%
Saturated Fat 5.0g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.7g
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 2439.8mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 71.5g	0%
Dietary Fiber 12.9g	0%
Total Sugars 13.8g
Protein 13.4g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 192.8mg	0%
Iron 5.3mg	0%
Potassium 1423.3mg	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: 46.5%

Protein: 8.4%

Carbs: 45.1%