Quinoa Herb Pilaf Citrus (Printable Version)
A bright, fluffy quinoa pilaf with fresh herbs and citrus zest, perfect for a quick Mediterranean meal.
# Ingredient List:
→ Grains
01 - 1 cup quinoa, rinsed
02 - 2 cups vegetable broth
→ Aromatics
03 - 1 tablespoon olive oil
04 - 1 small onion, finely chopped
05 - 2 garlic cloves, minced
→ Herbs
06 - 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
07 - 2 tablespoons fresh mint, chopped
08 - 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped
→ Citrus
09 - Zest of 1 lemon
10 - 2 tablespoons lemon juice
11 - Zest of 1 orange
12 - 1 tablespoon orange juice
→ Seasonings
13 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
14 - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
→ Optional Add-ins
15 - 1/4 cup toasted slivered almonds
16 - 1/4 cup dried cranberries
# How to Make It:
01 - Heat olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add chopped onion and cook for 3 minutes until translucent. Stir in garlic and cook an additional 30 seconds.
02 - Add rinsed quinoa to the pan and toast for 1 minute, stirring frequently to prevent sticking.
03 - Pour in vegetable broth, bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 15 minutes or until quinoa is tender and liquid is absorbed.
04 - Remove from heat, fluff quinoa with a fork, and let it sit, covered, for 5 minutes to complete cooking.
05 - Fold in parsley, mint, dill, lemon zest, lemon juice, orange zest, orange juice, salt, and black pepper. If desired, gently mix in toasted almonds and dried cranberries.
06 - Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Serve warm or at room temperature.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- It comes together in 30 minutes flat, which means you can make it on the night you forgot to plan ahead.
- The citrus and herbs are generous enough that you taste them in every bite, but not so much that it feels competing or chaotic.
- It's naturally vegetarian and gluten-free without tasting like you're missing anything.
02 -
- If your quinoa comes out mushy, you likely didn't rinse it thoroughly or you used too much liquid—a second time around, measure carefully and rinse under cold water until the water runs completely clear.
- Add the citrus and herbs after cooking, not before, or they'll lose their brightness and fresh edge.
03 -
- Rinsing your quinoa thoroughly is non-negotiable if you want fluffy individual grains instead of a sticky, bitter mass.
- Zest your citrus before you juice it—once it's wet, getting zest off is nearly impossible and your knuckles pay the price.