Description
Step by step instructions on how to make this easy Vegan Pilau, bursting with flavors and packed with protein and fiber.
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp Coconut oil
- 1/2 cup Brown lentils
- 1 medium Onion, chopped
- 4 Cardamon pods
- 1/2 tsp Cinnamon
- 1 thump size of Ginger grated
- 1 clove Garlic, crushed
- 1/4 tsp Cloves
- 1 tsp Cumin
- 1/4 tsp Chili flakes (or more for spicy kick)
- 1 cup dry Quinoa
- 2 cups Water
- 1/4 Veggie stock cube
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- Pre soak the lentils overnight or for at least 5 hours to speed up the cooking process. Wash and rinse the soaked lentils before using.
- In a pan, heat the oil at medium heat then add the spices, ginger, garlic and onions. Frying the spices and pepper helps to release their aroma
- Add 1/4 cup of water to further cook the onions to let them soften and also to make sure the pan is not drying out.
- When the onions are soft, add 1 cup of water and lentils and let the lentils cook for 15 minutes. Make sure to fully cover the pan and cook at medium temperature.
- After 15 minutes, add the quinoa and 1 and 1/2 cup of water, then taste the sauce to make sure there is enough salt.
- Cover the pan well and cook the quinoa for 18-20 minutes at low-medium heat.
- After, turn off the heat and let the quinoa stand for 5 minutes, still covered, to cool down. This allows the quinoa to be extra fluffy.
- The pilau is ready. When you finally remove the cover, you will smell a rich and earthy fragrance that will have your taste buds tingling to taste the pilau
- Use a spoon to fluff up the quinoa
- Serve with some greens or a salad
- This stores really well in the fridge for up to a week
Notes
Make sure to listen to Afia on The Storied Recipe Podcast, "Curing Land & Restoring Tradition: The Canadian African, Afia Amoako, and Vegan Pilau" while you make her Vegan Pilau recipe!
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Cuisine: African, Indian, South Asian
Nutrition
- Calories: 147
- Sugar: 1
- Sodium: 28
- Fat: 3
- Saturated Fat: 2
- Carbohydrates: 23
- Fiber: 6
- Protein: 6