A simple yet delicious side dish, this Quinoa Pilaf with Mirepoix is vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free!
I like to keep things interesting at our dinner table by not always serving the same old sides of rice or salad. If a side is simple enough that I can focus most of my attention on the main dish, all the better! My Quinoa Pilaf with Mirepoix uses only a few simple ingredients, but is mostly a dish that you can prepare in 5 minutes and then let cook without watching it much so you can get the kids to wash their hands, set the table, or focus on the main meal! It’s a tasty way to get a serving of vegetables, and is vegetarian/vegan and gluten-free! It’ll make a great side to go along with stews, grilled chicken, or fish!
Ingredients
- Quinoa: A surprisingly good source of protein and other nutrients, it has a mild nutty taste and pleasant texture.
- Olive oil: A heart healthy oil used to sauté the veggies and toast the dry quinoa.
- Carrot: Adds a bit of natural sweetness, also a great source of vitamin C and potassium.
- Onion: I use a white onion for mild onion flavor and delicious caramelization.
- Celery: Very mild flavor, but adds a ton of nutritional benefit.
- Broth: Use veggie broth to keep this dish vegan and vegetarian, or you could also use chicken broth. It cooks the quinoa and infuses it with more flavor.
- Italian seasoning: Typically a mix of oregano, basil, marjoram, garlic, and thyme. Adds wonderful flavor to the dish.
- Apple cider vinegar: Adds necessary acidity and a bit of tang to the final dish.
How to Make Quinoa Pilaf with Mirepoix
Start your quinoa pilaf with mirepoix by taking your dry, uncooked quinoa and soaking it in water for about 5 minutes. Strain and rinse with cold water.
Next you’ll get started on your mirepoix by taking your chopped carrots, celery, and onion and adding them to the bottom of a large pot with the olive oil.
Sauté the veggies until tender, about 4 minutes, before adding the quinoa and toast until you can smell the nutty aroma.
Stir in the Italian seasoning and season with some salt and black pepper to taste.
Pour in the veggie broth over the veggies and toasted quinoa.
Stir in the apple cider vinegar, then bring to a boil over high heat.
After it’s boiling, cover and reduce heat to a simmer. Cook for about 20 minutes, or until liquid is fully absorbed.
Check for seasoning and add more salt and pepper as needed, then serve garnished with fresh parsley, and enjoy your Quinoa Pilaf with Mirepoix!
Frequently Asked Questions
Mirepoix is French for the combination of onions, celery, and carrots and is used as a base in cooking to provide aromatic flavor.
It’s typically used as a base to be used in other things, but you could eat it on its own as a veggie dish!
Like I’ve mentioned, it can be used as the base for many things including soups, sauces, cooked with meat dishes, and more!
Main Dish Ideas
- Coffee Rubbed Ribeye
- Lemon Butter Baked White Fish
- Lemon Soy Marinated Chicken Breasts
- Grilled Shrimp Shawarma Skewers
- Herbes de Provence Grilled Porterhouse Steak
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If you make rice frequently as a side with your meals, my Quinoa Pilaf with Mirepoix is an easy way to shake things up a bit without making things more difficult for you!
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Ingredients
Instructions
- In a medium saucepan, cover quinoa in water and allow it to soak for 5 minutes. Stir quinoa and pour into a strainer, rinse with cool water.
- Dry the saucepan, then heat it over medium heat and add oil. When oil begins to shimmer, add carrot, onion, and celery and cook until tender, about 4 minutes.
- Add quinoa and saute until the mixture emits a nutty aroma, about 1 minute. Pour in the broth and bring to a boil on high.
- Reduce heat to low, add Italian seasoning then cover, and cook for 20 minutes until quinoa is tender and liquid is completely absorbed. Allow to sit covered for 5 minutes and then stir in the vinegar, salt, and pepper.
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