Inspired by the traditional rice pilau, this enticing and super-healthy gluten free Vegetarian Quinoa Pilau Recipe, aka "qui-lau" is bursting with flavour, and so simple to pull off. Infused with the aroma of cumin, coriander and garam masala, this recipe is one you will want to add to your repertoire. Satisfying and finger-licking good!
- 1 cup green beans, cut in small pieces
- 1 cup water
- 2 cups black beans, cooked. You can use canned
- 2 tomato, fresh, diced, small pieces. You can use canned
- 1 bell pepper, red, washed and diced into small cubes
- 1 green chili, washed, and finely chopped. Leave out if you don't fancy any heat
- 1 cup quinoa, washed and soaked overnight
- 1/2 cup coriander, washed, and finely chopped
- 1 onion, medium, thinly sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, large, crushed
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 1/2 tsp sea salt
- 1 tsp cumin powder
- 1 tsp coriander powder
- 1 tsp garam masala
- 1 1/2 cups vegetable stock, reduced salt/sodium
- 1 tbsp lime juice
Wash and trim ends of green beans. Add water and beans to small pan. Cover and steam on medium/high heat for 5 minutes. Once done, set aside
If using canned black beans, drain and rinse and set aside
Wash and dice tomatoes, pepper and chilli in small pieces and set aside
Wash quinoa thoroughly several times, drain and set aside
Wash and finely chop coriander and set aside
Peel and chop onion and crush garlic. Heat oil in large pan, fry onion and garlic on medium heat until golden
Add tomatoes, pepper, chilli and cook on high heat for 5 minutes, stirring continuously
Add salt and dry spices. Mix well
Stir in green beans, black beans, quinoa and stock. Bring to boil on high heat
Reduce to a simmer, cover and cook for 10-15 mins, until quinoa is soft and fluffy
Add lime juice and garnish with cilantro
- Rinse the quinoa thoroughly several times in cold water to remove the bitter coating
- Dice the vegetables in bite-sized chunks so they all cook evenly
- Avoid cooking quinoa on low heat, otherwise it will be mushy
- The fresher your ingredients - the better
- Extra pilau makes a terrific meal to pack for lunch. Let it cool, cover and refrigerate for up to 2 days
Nutrition Information:
Calories: 224kcal (11%)Carbohydrates: 32g (11%)Protein: 9g (18%)Fat: 7g (11%)Saturated Fat: 1g (5%)Polyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gSodium: 1091mg (45%)Potassium: 604mg (17%)Fiber: 10g (40%)Sugar: 2g (2%)Vitamin A: 2300IU (46%)Vitamin C: 94.9mg (115%)Calcium: 80mg (8%)Iron: 3.8mg (21%)
Keep in mind that the nutritional values provided are approximations and suggestions, and might fluctuate depending on ingredient variations, portion sizes, and recipe adjustments. This nutrition facts table cannot account for your individual needs. Your body — including your hunger and satiety cues — change daily. It's perfectly fine to eat more or less on different days. Instead of letting food guilt take over, consider mindful eating.
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.