Wednesday, August 10, 2011

Quinoa Pilaf with Pine Nuts




I think one of the best things about our summer at home were the family dinners. Every night my mom and I would decide what we were making, and my siblings came over just about every time to eat with us. It was so much fun and made all the preparation so worth it.

One of my mom's trademark side dishes is this quinoa pilaf, a recipe that she got from Ellie Krieger's cookbook. Now, I knew that quinoa was the new thing, I understood how good it is for you and how all the cool foodies are chomping it down these days, but I just hadn't gotten there yet. I found it too bland, too grainy, I don't know, just too quinoa-y.


I'm now a believer.

I could eat this pilaf all day long. It's nutty, it's soft, and has such a great flavor. I think one of the best parts about it is the fresh parsley. It adds a wonderful brightness to an earthy grain that goes just beautifully. If you don't think you're quite sold on quinoa yet, I really urge you to try this, you just might change your mind.


Quinoa Pilaf with Pine Nuts
Ellie Krieger

Ingredients

2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
1 cup quinoa, rinsed
1/4 cup pine nuts
1 tablespoon olive oil
1/2 large onion, chopped
1/3 cup chopped fresh parsley leaves
Salt and pepper

Directions

Put the broth and quinoa in a medium sized saucepan and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to a simmer, cover and cook for 15 to 20 minutes, until liquid is absorbed and grain is tender.

Meanwhile, toast the nuts in a large dry skillet over medium-high heat until golden brown and fragrant, about 2 minutes, stirring frequently. Remove nuts from pan and set aside. Heat the oil in the same skillet over a medium-high heat. Add the onions and cook stirring occasionally, until the onions soften and begin to brown, about 6 minutes.

When the quinoa is done, fluff with a fork and transfer to a large serving bowl. Stir in the pine nuts, onions, and parsley. Season with salt and pepper and serve.

23 comments:

Julie said...

Sounds super to me! I'm definitely bookmarking this one.

Angela said...

I love quinoa, and I'm always looking for new recipes. I can't wait to try this one! :)

Holly said...

This sounds amazing!! I love pine nuts:)

Joanne said...

Mmm quinoa is one of my favorite whole grains! Looks delicious in this pilaf...I'm glad you're now a convert!

Erica said...

Family dinners are SO fun- especially when everyone contributes. This looks just perfect- Ellie does a great job making tasty & healthy dishes

Lynn said...

I don't think I've ever eaten quinoa, Teresa, but you make it sound wonderful :)

Sophia Lee said...

I know what you mean by "quinoa-y." For a long time I just didn't "get it" either. It needs a bit of support, and the ingredients in this pilaf sounds like the perfect stuff to boost up this quinoa! :)

Reeni said...

This could make me a believer too! It looks soft and fluffy and I love pine nuts!

Chris said...

I thought quinoa was too grainy the first time too but I had used Aztec red quinoa. Yours looks like it would convert the reluctant!

Katy ~ said...

Bookmarked! I bought quinoa by mistake, thinking I had grabbed the bag of rice beside it, and it's been sitting in my pantry ever since. This looks delicious!

MaryMoh said...

How wonderful to cook with your mom. I wish my mom is here. She is such a great cook but none of us learned anything from her. She cooks without any recipe....how frustrating for us! But then it would be fun just to have my mom around even if I don't learn anything :D Love your dish. Looks very healthy and delicious. Thanks very much for sharing. Hope you have a fun weekend. MaryMoh at http://www.keeplearningkeepsmiling.com

Mary Bergfeld said...

I love quinoa and your recipe is a perfect way to prepare it. I hope you have a great day. Blessings...Mary

chow and chatter said...

oh wow looks great can see why its popular so sweet how you and your mum enjoy cooking together

Pam said...

I love quinoa...this looks like a keeper!

The Blonde Duck said...

I've always wanted to try quinoa!

Kathleen said...

This sounds delicious. I love quinoa

Val said...

I heart quinoa and am always looking for different ways to make it. Thanks for sharing.

Cathy said...

I'm one of those people who loves quinoa but don't prepare it at home very often. This looks like a delicious and quick to put together side dish that my family will love. I agree with you that parsley really freshens up a dish. Its one of my favorite ingredients.

Brownieville Girl said...

Tasty and healthy ... I'll have to give it a try.

Velva said...

I am one of those people too, except I seem to like quinoa when someone else makes it. Maybe, this recipe is just what I need to see the light.

Meals are so much more special when enjoyed with family and friends. Glad that you enjoyed spending time with the family.

Erica said...

I'm definitely bookmarking this one. I love pine nuts!

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Victor said...

I haven't tasted quinoa before. Looks healthy and delicious.

Kim said...

Cooking dinner with your whole family is such a treat. This is a recipe I should try because I'm still not a quinoa convert. I keep trying though! I want to like it. I really do.