Recipes

Herbed Quinoa Pilaf with Toasted Almonds

Name: Herbed Quinoa Pilaf with Toasted Almonds
Total time: 70 min
Ingredients: 1/2 cup sliced almonds; 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil; 1 small red bell pepper, finely diced; 3 large shallots, finely chopped (1 1/4 cups); Salt; Pepper; 1 1/2 cups white or red quinoa (10 ounces), rinsed; 1/4 cup dry white wine; 2 1/4 cups chicken stock or low-sodium broth; 1 cup lightly packed baby arugula, chopped; 1/2 cup lightly packed torn basil

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Giada De Laurentiis likes to pump up the flavor of grains by adding plenty of chopped herbs instead of a fatty dressing. Her healthy quinoa dish is packed with basil, as well as arugula. Slideshow: More Quinoa Recipes

By

Giada De Laurentiis

Updated on April 30, 2014

Active Time:

30 mins

Total Time:

1 hrs 10 mins

Yield:

4 to 6

Ingredients

1/2 cup sliced almonds
3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
1 small red bell pepper, finely diced
3 large shallots, finely chopped (1 1/4 cups)
Salt
Pepper
1 1/2 cups white or red quinoa (10 ounces), rinsed
1/4 cup dry white wine
2 1/4 cups chicken stock or low-sodium broth
1 cup lightly packed baby arugula, chopped
1/2 cup lightly packed torn basil

Directions

Preheat the oven to 350°. Spread the almonds in a pie plate and bake for about 8 minutes, until lightly toasted.
Meanwhile, in a large, deep skillet, heat the oil until shimmering. Add the red pepper, shallots and a generous pinch each of salt and pepper. Cook over moderately high heat, stirring occasionally, until softened, 5 to 7 minutes. Add the quinoa and cook, stirring, until coated, about 2 minutes. Add the wine and cook until absorbed, about 2 minutes. Add the stock and bring to a boil. Cover the skillet and simmer over moderately low heat until the quinoa is tender and all of the stock is absorbed, 20 to 25 minutes. Remove from the heat and let stand for 15 minutes. Fluff the pilaf with a fork and fold in the arugula, basil and almonds. Season with salt and pepper and serve.

Make Ahead

The quinoa pilaf can stand at room temperature for up to 2 hours. Stir in the arugula, basil and almonds just before serving.