Description
This Cajun Quinoa Pilaf blends bold Cajun spices, colorful vegetables, and fluffy quinoa for a plant-based Southern classic. Naturally vegan and gluten-free, it’s a wholesome alternative to rice pilaf or jambalaya, perfect as a side dish or a hearty main. Packed with protein, fiber, and flavor, this spicy quinoa recipe is ideal for meal prep or quick weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
Scale
Quinoa & Broth:
- 1 cup quinoa, rinsed
- 2 cups vegetable broth or water
Vegetables:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or avocado oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 2 celery stalks, sliced
- 1 medium carrot, shredded or chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
Spices:
- 1½ teaspoons Cajun seasoning (adjust to taste)
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon thyme
- Pinch cayenne pepper (optional)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Optional Add-ins:
- ½ cup cooked black beans or chickpeas
- Squeeze of lemon or lime juice
- Chopped parsley or green onions, for garnish
Instructions
- Rinse Quinoa: Place quinoa in a fine-mesh strainer and rinse thoroughly under cold water to remove bitterness.
- Sauté Veggies: In a skillet or saucepan, heat oil over medium. Add onion, peppers, celery, and carrot. Cook 5–7 minutes until softened. Stir in garlic for 30 seconds.
- Season & Toast: Stir in Cajun seasoning, paprika, thyme, salt, and cayenne. Add rinsed quinoa and toast 1–2 minutes, coating in spices.
- Simmer: Pour in broth, bring to a boil, then reduce to low. Cover and cook 15 minutes until liquid is absorbed.
- Fluff & Serve: Remove from heat, rest covered 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork, garnish with parsley or citrus juice, and serve hot.
Notes
- Always rinse quinoa to remove natural bitterness.
- Use fresh Cajun seasoning for the best flavor.
- For more protein, stir in beans or lentils.
- To make oil-free, sauté veggies in broth.
- Add diced tomatoes for a smoky tomato variation.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Side Dish, Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Cajun, Southern, Vegan
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 420mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: Cajun Quinoa Pilaf, Vegan Cajun Recipes, Quinoa Pilaf with Vegetables, Spicy Quinoa Recipe, Cajun Vegetable Sides