Are you craving a nutritious, hassle-free meal that practically prepares itself? Look no further than this mouthwatering Crock Pot Quinoa Pilaf – the ultimate solution for busy home cooks who want maximum flavor with minimal effort! Imagine coming home to a perfectly cooked, protein-packed dish that's bursting with colorful vegetables and aromatic spices, all achieved with just minutes of prep time and the magic of your slow cooker.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 4 hrs
Total Time: 4 hrs 15 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup quinoa
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 carrot, diced
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Rinse the quinoa thoroughly under cold water using a fine-mesh strainer to remove any bitter coating.
- Dice the onion, mince the garlic, and chop the carrot and bell pepper into small, uniform pieces to ensure even cooking.
- Lightly grease the inside of the crock pot with cooking spray or olive oil to prevent sticking.
- Add the rinsed quinoa, diced onion, minced garlic, chopped carrot, and bell pepper to the crock pot.
- Pour the vegetable broth over the ingredients, ensuring all quinoa is submerged.
- Sprinkle cumin, salt, and pepper evenly across the mixture, gently stirring to distribute seasonings.
- Cover the crock pot and set to low heat setting for 4 hours.
- After cooking time is complete, fluff the quinoa with a fork and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.
- Optional: Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro for added flavor and presentation.
Tips
- Always rinse quinoa thoroughly to remove its natural saponin coating, which can cause a bitter taste.
- Cut vegetables into uniform, small pieces to ensure even cooking and consistent texture.
- Use low-sodium vegetable broth to control the salt content of your dish.
- For extra flavor, consider toasting the quinoa in a dry pan for 2-3 minutes before adding to the crock pot.
- Don't lift the lid during cooking – this releases heat and can increase overall cooking time.
- If you prefer a slightly firmer quinoa, reduce cooking time by 30-45 minutes.
- Experiment with additional herbs and spices like thyme, rosemary, or smoked paprika to customize the flavor profile.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days and make an excellent cold salad or quick reheated side dish.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 240kcal
Carbohydrates: 40g
Protein: 8g
Fat: 5g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 0mg
