If you love a classic recipe forQuinoa Spinach Pilaf with Mushrooms, you will love this fresh new take on the traditional pilaf recipe you’ve used for years. Quinoa Spinach Pilaf with Mushrooms has countless health befits with a massive bonus of a delicious flavor. You combine white Quinoa, shallots, minced garlic, cremini mushrooms, and fresh baby spinach with a hint of lemon.
We all know I love my Southern foods, such as Cajun and Creole. However, one can not live a life of all down-home cooking, and balance is critical. So you all know that after the last seven recipes, we need a bit of balance in our lives. This recipe is perfect for the balance factor and the health benefits alone—WOW! That is all I can say.
In case you haven’t had a chance to read up on this fantastic food called Quinoa, below, I have taken the liberty of sharing some great facts and health benefits of this quick-cooking pseudo-whole-grain American love over the last three years.
Facts About Quinoa- Quinoa Spinach Pilaf with Mushrooms
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Quinoa grows in a rainbow of colors, and the most commonly available are red Quinoa, black Quinoa, and white Quinoa.
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The taste and nutrition are similar to the colors of Quinoa. White Quinoa tends to cook up fluffier, while red and black Quinoa has a crunchier texture.
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Quinoa is renowned for its protein content; it’s not the amount of protein that’s, so Quinoa has the perfect balance of all nine amino acids.
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Quinoa also has multiple phytonutrients which have anti-inflammatory actions.
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Quinoa has a higher good fat content and can give valuable amounts of heart-healthy fats like monounsaturated fat in the form of oleic acid.
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Quinoa may also give small amounts of omega-3 fatty acids.
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Quinoa is a valuable source of vitamin E.
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Quinoa has over twice the amount of calcium compared to grains, ounce per ounce.
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Quinoa’s nutrient benefits are not altered by cooking.
Below you will find my super-easy recipe for Quinoa Spinach Pilaf with Mushrooms packed with nutritional benefits and simple to find ingredients with a short cooking time of 30 minutes or less.
Quinoa Spinach Pilaf with Mushrooms
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One tablespoon of unsalted butter
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Two finely chopped shallots onion
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Two minced garlic cloves
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1/2 of a pint of cremini mushrooms sliced thinly
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One cup of white Quinoa
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Two cups of vegetable broth
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Three cups of fresh baby spinach
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One tablespoon of lemon zest
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One teaspoon chopped dill weed
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Juice of one lemon
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Kosher salt to own taste
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freshly ground black pepper to your taste.
Quinoa Spinach Pilaf with Mushrooms
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 2 shallots finely chopped
- 3 garlic cloves minced
- ½ pint cremini mushrooms sliced
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 1 cup white quinoa
- 3 cups baby spinach chopped
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon chopped fresh dill
- kosher salt to own taste
- freshly ground black pepper to own taste
Instructions
- In a large saucepan, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat.
- Add finely chopped shallots, minced garlic cloves, and thinly sliced cremini mushrooms; cook until softened, about 3 minutes.
- Add 2 cups of vegetable broth, quinoa and bring to a strong boil. Reduce the heat to lowest setting and lightly simmer, covered, until water is absorbed, about 15- 20 minutes.
- Stir in fresh spinach leaves spinach, lemon zest, chopped dill weed, juice of 1 lemon, and season with kosher salt and freshly ground pepper to your own taste.
- Serve immediately.
Notes
Nutrition
© Heidy L. McCallum and The McCallum’s Shamrock Patch, 2020- 2013 unauthorized use and duplication of content/ material without express and written permission from this blog’s author and owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided full and clear credit is given to Heidy L. McCallum and The McCallum’s Shamrock Patch with appropriate and specific directions to the original content.
This looks so delicious! I am always looking for new recipes with quinoa, I can’t wait to try it!
Thank you so much! Have a great day Elena
Nice informative post! The dill and lemon sound like nice tweaks with the quinoa pilaf. flavorful, healthy dish.
I love that you used quinoa in this pilaf dish! It was incredible.
Thank you so much, Debi!!!
We are in love with this updated classic pilaf dish; great additions with the quinoa and spinach! Thanks so much for sharing.
Thank you so much, Dan!
This was absolutely amazing, can’t wait to have it again!
Thank you, Justine!
I loved the texture of quinoa and this pilaf is very unique and perfect for a meatless day!
Thank you, Katerina!