Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 cup quinoa
- 2 cups water
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cardamom
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup Himalayan mayapple, diced
- 1/4 cup raisins
- 1/4 cup slivered almonds
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Special equipment needed:
- Medium saucepan with lid
- Large skillet with lid
Step-by-step instructions:
1. Rinse the quinoa in a fine-mesh strainer and drain well.
2. In a medium saucepan, combine the quinoa and water. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat to low and cover with a lid. Simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the water is absorbed and the quinoa is tender.
3. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic and sauté until softened, about 5 minutes.
4. Add the cumin, coriander, turmeric, cinnamon, cardamom, salt, and black pepper to the skillet. Stir to combine and cook for 1-2 minutes, or until fragrant.
5. Add the cooked quinoa, Himalayan mayapple, raisins, and slivered almonds to the skillet. Stir to combine and cook for 5-10 minutes, or until heated through and the flavors have melded.
6. Stir in the chopped parsley and serve hot.
Time:
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 30 minutes
5. Temperature:
Medium heat
Serving size:
4 servings
Nutritional information:
Per serving:
Calories: 280
Fat: 9g
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 8g
Fiber: 6g
Sugar: 11g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Quinoa can be substituted with brown rice or couscous.
- Olive oil can be substituted with coconut oil or ghee.
- Onion can be substituted with shallots or leeks.
- Garlic can be substituted with garlic powder.
- Himalayan mayapple can be substituted with diced apple or pear.
- Raisins can be substituted with dried cranberries or apricots.
- Slivered almonds can be substituted with chopped walnuts or pecans.
- Parsley can be substituted with cilantro or mint.
Variations:
- Add diced chicken or tofu for a protein boost.
- Add diced carrots or sweet potatoes for extra vegetables.
- Use vegetable broth instead of water for a richer flavor.
- Add a pinch of saffron for a more luxurious dish.
Tips and tricks:
- Rinse the quinoa well to remove any bitterness.
- Toast the slivered almonds in a dry skillet for extra flavor.
- Use a mix of ground spices or a pre-made spice blend for convenience.
- Adjust the seasoning to taste.
Storage instructions:
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating instructions:
Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through.
Presentation ideas:
Serve the pilaf in a large bowl or on individual plates. Garnish with additional parsley or slivered almonds.
Garnishes:
- Chopped fresh herbs, such as parsley or cilantro
- Slivered almonds or chopped nuts
- Dried fruit, such as raisins or cranberries
- Lemon or lime wedges
Pairings:
- Grilled chicken or fish
- Roasted vegetables, such as broccoli or cauliflower
- Green salad with a citrus vinaigrette
Suggested side dishes:
- Naan bread or pita bread
- Roasted sweet potatoes or carrots
- Cucumber and tomato salad
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the quinoa is still crunchy after cooking, add a splash of water and continue to simmer until tender.
- If the pilaf is too dry, add a splash of broth or water to moisten it.
Food safety advice:
- Make sure to rinse the quinoa well to remove any debris or dirt.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator and reheat thoroughly before eating.
Food history:
Quinoa is a staple grain in the Andean region of South America, where it has been cultivated for thousands of years. Himalayan mayapple is a fruit native to the Himalayan region of Asia, and is known for its sweet and tangy flavor.
Flavor profiles:
This pilaf is fragrant and flavorful, with warm spices like cinnamon and cardamom, and a sweet and tangy note from the Himalayan mayapple and raisins.
Serving suggestions:
Serve this pilaf as a side dish or a main course, with a protein of your choice.
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