QUINOA AND KIDNEY BEANS PILAF

Quinoa and Kidney Beans Pilaf is delicious and flavorful pilaf recipe. Quinoa is gluten free and high in protein. Red kidney beans is good source of cholesterol-lowering fiber.This is very good option for vegetarians/vegans and for those who are diet conscious.

I love the texture and taste of quinoa and its become frequent item in my kitchen.This is also my favorite lunch box recipe. Do try out this healthy and simple version of pilaf.

Also try Spicy Quinoa With Black Beans

Preparation time: 25 minutes

Serves : 2 to 3

Ingredients for Quinoa and Kidney Beans Pilaf

Traditional Quinoa - 1 ½ cup

Red Kidney Beans - 1 can (15.5 oz)

Vegetable Oil / Butter - 2 tbsp

Cashew chopped - 1 tbsp

Almonds  chopped - 1 tbsp

Cardamom - 5 seeds

Cloves -  3

Cinnamon stick - ½ inch

Red pepper flakes - 1 tsp

Onion chopped - 1

Jalapeno chopped - 1

Ginger grated - 1 tbsp

Green Bell Pepper/Capsicum chopped - 1

Black Pepper powder - ½ tsp

Red Chilli Powder/Cayenne Powder -  1 tsp

Salt to taste

Water - 3 cups

Steps to prepare Quinoa and Kidney Beans Pilaf

• Heat oil in non-stick pan. add the cardamom, cloves, cinnamon, cashews and almonds and saute till cashew becomes light in color.
• Add the red pepper flakes, onion and saute adding little salt till onion becomes translucent.
• Add the ginger grated, green bell pepper, jalapeno,red chilli powder and black pepper powder and saute for a minute.
• Now add the quinoa, water, adjust the salt and bring it to nice boil.
• Meanwhile drain and rinse the canned kidney beans.
• Once it comes to nice boil, add red kidney beans, mix well and cover with the lid. simmer for 10 to 15 minutes and cook until the water is absorbed
• Quinoa and Kidney Beans Pilaf is now ready. Garnish it with cilantro,Serve and enjoy.

Tip:

• Add vegetables of your choice,
• You can also add pistachios along with cashew and almond.
• Adjust the spices as per your taste.
• You can also serve this with Sour Cream/ Yogurt.

I have used Wild Oats Organic Traditional Quinoa and Dakota's Red Kidney Beans