Why Make This Recipe
Spicy & Satisfying Cajun Quinoa Pilaf is a delicious and healthy choice for a meal. It brings together the bold flavors of Cajun seasoning with the nutritious benefits of quinoa and vegetables. This dish is not only packed with protein and fiber but is also easy to make. If you’re looking for a meal that’s both filling and flavorful, this is the one for you!
How to Make Spicy & Satisfying Cajun Quinoa Pilaf
Ingredients:
- 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
- Squeeze of lemon or lime juice
- Chopped parsley or green onions, for garnish
Directions:
- Place quinoa in a fine-mesh strainer and rinse thoroughly under cold water to remove bitterness.
- In a skillet or saucepan, heat the oil over medium heat. Add the onion, peppers, celery, and carrot. Cook for 5–7 minutes until softened. Stir in the garlic for 30 seconds.
- Stir in the Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, thyme, salt, and cayenne pepper. Add the rinsed quinoa and toast for 1–2 minutes, coating it in the spices.
- Pour in the vegetable broth, bring it to a boil, then reduce to low heat. Cover and cook for 15 minutes until the liquid is absorbed.
- Remove from heat and let it rest covered for 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork, garnish with parsley or a squeeze of citrus juice, and serve hot.
How to Serve Spicy & Satisfying Cajun Quinoa Pilaf
This dish can be served as a main course or as a side dish. Pair it with fresh greens or a simple salad to complete the meal. The flavors are bold, making it an excellent complement to grilled vegetables or spicy dishes.
How to Store Spicy & Satisfying Cajun Quinoa Pilaf
To store leftovers, place the pilaf in an airtight container and refrigerate. It will keep well for up to 3–4 days. For longer storage, you can freeze it. Just make sure to thaw it before reheating in a microwave or on the stovetop.
Tips to Make Spicy & Satisfying Cajun Quinoa Pilaf
- Rinse the quinoa thoroughly to avoid any bitterness in the dish.
- Adjust the spices to match your personal taste. If you love heat, feel free to add more Cajun seasoning or cayenne pepper.
- You can add other vegetables you have on hand, such as zucchini or corn, to enhance this dish.
Variation
You can easily turn this pilaf into a completely different meal by adding different beans or even diced tomatoes. It’s versatile, so feel free to mix it up!
FAQs
1. Can I use brown rice instead of quinoa?
Yes, you can use brown rice, but the cooking time will vary. Make sure to adjust the liquid and cooking time according to the rice instructions.
2. How can I make this gluten-free?
This recipe is naturally gluten-free, as quinoa does not contain gluten. Just ensure your vegetable broth is also gluten-free.
3. Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can make it ahead and store it in the fridge. Just reheat before serving, and it will still taste great!
Spicy & Satisfying Cajun Quinoa Pilaf
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A delicious and healthy Cajun quinoa pilaf packed with protein and fiber, perfect as a main course or side dish.
Ingredients
- 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
- Squeeze of lemon or lime juice
- Chopped parsley or green onions, for garnish
Instructions
- Rinse quinoa thoroughly under cold water to remove bitterness.
- Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add onion, peppers, celery, and carrot; cook for 5–7 minutes until softened. Stir in garlic for 30 seconds.
- Add Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, thyme, salt, and cayenne pepper. Stir in rinsed quinoa and toast for 1–2 minutes.
- Pour in vegetable broth, bring to a boil, reduce to low heat, cover and cook for 15 minutes until liquid is absorbed.
- Remove from heat and let it rest covered for 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork, garnish with parsley or citrus juice, and serve hot.
Notes
To avoid bitterness, rinse quinoa thoroughly. Adjust spices for personal taste. This dish is versatile; feel free to add more vegetables.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Cajun