Wednesday, December 1, 2010

Jeweled Quinoa Pilaf with Pepitas and Cranberries

Quinoa has been a great favourite of mine ever since I discovered it!! I use it not only as a grain substitute but for an amazingly wide range of cooking. Its extremely versatile and can be combined well with a really wide multitude of flavours. It inspires creativity :)


Jeweled Quinoa Pilaf is just one such recipe that I created some time back. Its quick, easy, healthy, and perfect for cold winter evenings. As you will see, it uses seasonal items from the pantry, but the addition of celery and cucumber add that unbeatable fresh taste that brings with it memories of the summer.

More Quinoa Recipes @ Annarasa:
Cumin Seasoned Warm Quinoa Salad with Broccolette, Carrots, and Kale
Quinoa Pongal with Kale and Peas | Savoury Quinoa Porridge
Quinoa Rajma Pulao | Quinoa Pilaf with Red Kidney Beans and Poblano Peppers

Ingredients:
1 cup quinoa
2 tbsp pepitas, roasted
2 tbsp dried cranberries
1/4 cup celery, chopped fine
1/3 cup green peppers, chopped fine
1/3 cup cucumbers, chopped fine
1 cup chickpeas (garbanzo beans), boiled
3 cloves garlic, smashed
Salt, to taste
Pepper, to taste
1 tsp cumin seeds
1 tbsp olive oil

Method:
  1. Cook the quinoa as per the directions on the packet. Using a fork, fluff, cover, and set aside.
  2. Heat the oil in a non-stick pan. Add the garlic cloves. Fry for a minute. Add the cumin.
  3. Add the chickpeas and a quarter cup of water. Cover and cook until the water in gone.
  4. Next stir in the celery and green peppers. Cook for a couple of minutes. 
  5. Add the quinoa, Season with salt and pepper.
  6. Finally, throw in the cucumber, pepitas, and cranberries. 
  7. Stir everything together. Check seasoning. 
  8. Turn off the heat and leave covered for about 5 minutes. Serve warm.

 The crunchiness of the pepitas and the sweet-tartness of the cranberries give this pilaf an amazing taste and texture. This dish serves well as a main dish but is also a great idea for a yummy and healthy side!! The Jeweled Quinoa Pilaf with Pepitas and Cranberries goes to Priya @ Mharo Rajasthan. She is hosting Cooking with Whole Foods: Quinoa this month. CWF - WG was started by Kiran of Sumadhura blog.


Vegan Recipe

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8 comments:

  1. Looks so beautiful Apu, great job !!!

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  2. Lovely looking Pilaf...and healthy too..yum yum!

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  3. Thats a healthy,wholsome and filling pilaf, very inviting..

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  4. Wow, a pilaf with quinoa, what a great idea!

    ciao
    Alessandra

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  5. Never have had this food...but looks wonderful :)

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  6. @ R: Pepitas are basically pumpkin seeds You can find them in the supermarket!! They make a great snack too.

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  7. This is very much my kind of dish. I snack on pepitas and love them.

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Apu @ Annarasa