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Cajun Quinoa Pilaf: 35-Minute Flavor Explosion

Cajun Quinoa Pilaf
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This Cajun Quinoa Pilaf offers a vibrant and nourishing plant-based meal. It combines fluffy quinoa with sautéed vegetables and bold Cajun spices, making it a flavorful alternative to traditional pilafs. This dish is naturally vegan, gluten-free, and perfect as a main course or a hearty side.

Ingredients

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  • 1 cup quinoa, rinsed
  • 2 cups vegetable broth or water
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil or avocado oil
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 1 green bell pepper, diced
  • 1 red bell pepper, diced
  • 2 celery stalks, sliced
  • 1 medium carrot, shredded or chopped
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1½ teaspoons Cajun seasoning (adjust to taste)
  • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
  • ½ teaspoon thyme
  • Pinch cayenne pepper (optional)
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • ½ cup cooked black beans or chickpeas (optional)
  • Squeeze of lemon or lime juice (for garnish)
  • Chopped parsley or green onions (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Rinse quinoa thoroughly under cold water in a fine-mesh strainer to remove bitterness.
  2. In a skillet or saucepan, heat oil over medium heat. Add diced onion, bell peppers, celery, and carrot. Cook for 5–7 minutes until softened.
  3. Stir in minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
  4. Add Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, thyme, salt, and cayenne pepper (if using). Stir to coat the vegetables and spices.
  5. Add the rinsed quinoa to the skillet and toast for 1–2 minutes, stirring to coat the grains in the spices.
  6. Pour in the vegetable broth or water. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low.
  7. Cover the skillet and cook for 15 minutes, or until the liquid is absorbed and the quinoa is fluffy.
  8. Remove the skillet from the heat and let it rest, covered, for 5 minutes.
  9. Fluff the Cajun quinoa pilaf with a fork. If using, stir in cooked black beans or chickpeas.
  10. Garnish with a squeeze of lemon or lime juice and chopped parsley or green onions before serving hot.

Notes

  • Always rinse quinoa to remove its natural bitterness.
  • Use fresh Cajun seasoning for the best flavor.
  • For more protein, stir in cooked beans or lentils.
  • To make this recipe oil-free, sauté vegetables in vegetable broth instead of oil.
  • Add diced tomatoes for a smoky tomato variation.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://quizsavor.com/cajun-quinoa-pilaf/

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