Lentil Quinoa Pilaf
This post is sponsored by USA Pulses & Pulse Canada.
You guys, you know what I just realized? I haven’t posted any lentil recipes on this blog! It’s crazy because I love lentils and I’m not sure why it has taken so long to put them to use here! It was perfect timing too because my USA Pulses and Pulse Canada asked me to take the Pulse Pledge and to create a recipe using pulses. What is a pulse you ask? Pulses are dry peas, beans, lentils, and chickpeas! And 2016 has been declared to be the International Year of Pulses!
Pulses are incredibly nutritious as they are packed with fiber, antioxidants, and protein! Lentils are truly amazing, not to mention the fact they are so affordable and versatile too. I opted to make an easy side dish with the lentils and some quinoa – a lentil quinoa pilaf! It only takes about 15-20 minutes to cook and goes with a variety of dishes. It also only cooks in one pan!
I was so pleasantly surprised when I took my first bite. This pilaf has great flavor thanks to the broth. And actually, my extremely picky toddler loved it too! She kept digging a spoon into the pan as I was trying to take these photos. This pilaf would be perfect to serve with chicken or fish.
Lentil Quinoa Pilaf
This lentil quinoa pilaf is a healthy twist on rice pilaf. Lower in carbs and higher in fiber and protein, it's the perfect side dish for any meal!
Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil (or grapeseed oil)
- 1/2 cup diced yellow onion
- 1 cup quinoa (I used red)
- 3/4 cup dry lentils
- 3-4 cups vegetable broth (or chicken)
- 1 pat of butter
- salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a non-stick pan over medium heat, heat the olive oil. Add the onions and saute until translucent, about 3 minutes. Stir in the uncooked quinoa and lentils. Stir the mixture together. Pour in 3 cups of the broth and stir until well-combined. Lower the heat to low, cover, and let the mixture simmer for about 15-20 minutes, or until the quinoa and lentils have absorbed the liquid and are tender. Add the remaining cup of broth if needed.
- Stir in the butter (or more oil). Season with salt and pepper. Serve.
Join me in taking the Pulse Pledge by eating pulses once a week for 10 weeks for a healthier you!
Full Disclosure: This post is sponsored by USA Pulses & Pulse Canada. I was asked to create a recipe using pulses. I was compensated for my work. As always, all text in this post is my own.
