We already know that quinoa makes for a more nutritious substitute for white rice, but did you know that it also works in other dishes that typically use rice? Whether you’re making fried rice, risotto, or pilaf, this versatile pseudocereal subs in like a champ, often outdoing rice at its own game.

I’ve been doing the usual chicken stock, onions, carrots and peas version of pilaf with quinoa for years, but recently I was cleaning out the cupboard in preparation for an extended trip when I came across some half-used ingredients that turned into this quinoa pilaf with dried apricots and almonds. Loaded with nutty toasted almond, savory quinoa seeds that pop like caviar, and sweet chewy apricots, this ain’t your grandma’s pilaf.

The contrast of the tart apricots and warm spices make this the perfect accompaniment to a smoked rack of lamb or some grilled chicken. You could also season some of your favorite protein before browning it and cooking it with the quinoa to turn this into a one-pot meal.

Quinoa Pilaf with Apricot and Almond

Use quinoa as a more nutritious substitute for rice in this pilaf recipe. (Recipe Credit: Marc Matsumoto of No Recipes)

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1.4 ounces (40 grams, about 1/2 cup) sliced almonds
• .25 ounces (7 grams, about 1 large clove) garlic, grated
• .25 ounces (7 grams) ginger, grated
• 4.4 ounces (125 grams, about 1/2 medium) onion, minced
• 2 teaspoons curry powder
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1 cup quinoa
• 2 cups vegetable stock
• 2.8 ounces (80 grams, about 1/2 cup) dried apricots
• 1/4 teaspoon salt, to taste

Directions

1. Add the olive oil and almonds to a frying pan and place over a medium flame. Fry the almonds until they're light beige in color.
2. Add the garlic, ginger, and onions and saute until the onions are soft and starting to caramelize and the almonds are a golden brown.
3. Add the curry powder and cinnamon and continue sauteing until the spices become fragrant.
4. Add the quinoa saute to coat with oil.
5. Add the vegetable stock and then cover with a lid, turn down the heat to maintain a gentle simmer and cook for 15 minutes.
6. Remove the lid, turn up the heat to medium and add the dried apricots. Continue cooking, stirring regularly to prevent burning until all the liquid has been absorbed (about another 5 minutes).
7. Keep covered to keep warm or serve immediately.

Yield: 4 servings