Best Quinoa And Corn Pilaf Recipes

QUINOA AND CORN PILAF

Steps:

• Bring 2 cups water to a simmer in a medium saucepan. Stir in the quinoa, cover, and simmer gently until the water is absorbed, about 15 minutes.
• Meanwhile, heat the oil in a wide skillet. Add the onion and sauté over medium heat until golden. Stir in the corn kernels and continue to sauté until the onion begins to brown lightly.
• Stir the cooked quinoa into the corn mixture along with the cumin, and season with salt and pepper. If a little more moisture is needed, stir in a small amount of water, and serve.
• quinoa
• Quinoa is a rediscovered food of ancient South American origin. Once the staple nourishment of the Inca culture, it's technically not a grain but the seed of an herb-like plant. Now grown in the American Rockies (replicating the harsh terrain of the Andes, where it once thrived), quinoa is still considered a specialty grain, thus, it is somewhat expensive. Nutritionally, though, you get a lot for your money-quinoa is considered a "super food" for its superb nutritional profile, which includes high-quality protein. Quinoa cooks to a fluffy texture in about 15 minutes and has a mild yet distinct flavor.
• basic cooked quinoa
• Use 2 parts water to 1 part quinoa. For variety, you may want to cook it in stock instead of water, or add a bouillon cube to the water. Rinse the quinoa in a fine sieve (very important, since raw quinoa has the residue of a natural, bitter substance called saponins). Bring water to a rapid simmer, then stir in the quinoa. Simmer gently, covered, until the water is absorbed, about 15 minutes. To use as a plain side dish or as a bed of grain, stir in just a touch of nonhydrogenated margarine and salt into the hot grain.
• nutrition information
• Calories: 221
• Total Fat: 6g
• Protein: 7g
• Carbohydrate: 36g
• Cholesterol: 0mg
• Sodium: 7mg

QUINOA-BULGUR PILAF WITH CORN AND JALAPEÑOS (OR SERRANOS

Steps:

• Instructions: Heat 1 tsp. oil in a large skillet (or saucepan--remember to use less liquid!) over medium heat until shimmering. Add the corn and cook, stirring frequently, until corn starts to brown, about 5 minutes. Transfer corn to a bowl; set aside. Add the onion, remaining teaspoon oil, and 1/2 tsp. salt to the skillet/saucepan. Cover and cook over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until the onion is softened, 8 to 10 minutes. Add the quinoa, increase the heat to medium, and cook, stirring frequently, until the quinoa lightly browns and becomes aromatic, about 5 minutes. Stir in the broth and jalapeños and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to low, cover (I didn't do this, hence the extra liquid needing to be added) and simmer until the quionoa is transparent and tender, 16 to 18 minutes. (Check it to make sure it's not burning on the bottom or needs more broth or water.) Remove the skillet/pot from the heat and lay a clean, folded kitchen towel underneath the lid. Let stand for 10 minutes, then fluff the quinoa with a fork. Stir in the cilantro, lime juice, and reserved corn and season with salt and pepper to taste. (You may not need much salt.)