Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 cup quinoa
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 1/2 cup red clover blossoms
- 1/4 cup chopped onion
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh mint
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 1/4 cup chopped walnuts
Special equipment needed:
- None
Step-by-step instructions:
1. Rinse the quinoa under cold water and drain well.
2. In a medium saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic and sauté until translucent.
3. Add the quinoa and vegetable broth to the saucepan and bring to a boil.
4. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the quinoa is tender and the liquid is absorbed.
5. Remove from heat and let it sit for 5 minutes.
6. Fluff the quinoa with a fork and add the red clover blossoms, salt, and black pepper.
7. Stir in the fresh parsley, mint, cilantro, and walnuts.
8. Serve hot.
- Time:
Preparation time: 10 minutes
- Cooking time: 20 minutes
Temperature:
- Medium heat
Serving size:
- 4 servings
Nutritional information:
- Calories: 250
- Fat: 10g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Protein: 9g
- Fiber: 5g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Vegetable broth can be substituted with chicken broth or water.
- Red clover blossoms can be substituted with other edible flowers such as nasturtiums or violets.
- Chopped walnuts can be substituted with chopped almonds or pecans.
Variations:
- Add cooked chicken or shrimp for a protein boost.
- Add diced tomatoes or roasted red peppers for a pop of color and flavor.
- Substitute the fresh herbs with dried herbs such as oregano or thyme.
Tips and tricks:
- Rinse the quinoa well to remove any bitterness.
- Let the quinoa sit for 5 minutes after cooking to allow it to absorb any remaining liquid.
- Toast the walnuts in a dry skillet for added flavor and crunch.
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 with a splash of water or broth to prevent it from drying out.
Presentation ideas:
- Serve the pilaf in a large bowl or on individual plates.
- Garnish with additional fresh herbs or edible flowers.
Garnishes:
- Fresh herbs such as parsley, mint, or cilantro.
- Edible flowers such as nasturtiums or violets.
Pairings:
- Serve with grilled chicken or fish for a complete meal.
- Pair with a side salad or roasted vegetables.
Suggested side dishes:
- Roasted asparagus
- Grilled zucchini
- Mixed green salad
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the quinoa is still crunchy after cooking, add more liquid and continue cooking until tender.
Food safety advice:
- Make sure to rinse the quinoa well to remove any dirt or debris.
Food history:
- Red clover has been used for centuries for its medicinal properties and is believed to have anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer effects.
Flavor profiles:
- Nutty, earthy, and slightly sweet.
Serving suggestions:
- Serve as a side dish or as a vegetarian main course.
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