How to Make Carrot, Tomato, and Spinach Quinoa Pilaf with Ground Turkey - A Step-by-Step Guide

Quinoa is a superfood that has gained a lot of popularity in recent years due to its high nutritional value and versatility in cooking. It is a great source of protein, fiber, and various vitamins and minerals, making it a fantastic addition to any diet. One of the best things about quinoa is that it can be used in a wide variety of dishes, from salads and soups to pilafs and casseroles.

If you're looking for a healthy and flavorful meal that's quick and easy to prepare, then this Car...

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Ingredients

  • 2 teaspoons olive oil
  • 1 cup quinoa
  • ½ onion, chopped
  • 2 cups water
  • 2 tablespoons chicken-flavored vegetable bouillon
  • 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon ground thyme
  • 1 carrot, chopped
  • 1 tomato, chopped
  • 1 cup baby spinach
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 pound ground turkey, or more to taste (Optional)
  • 1 (14.5 ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained

Information

  • Prep Time: 20 mins
  • Cook Time: 40 mins
  • Total Time: 1 hr
  • Servings: 5
  • Yield: 2 1/2 cups

  • Heat 2 teaspoons olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat; cook and stir onion in hot oil until translucent, about 5 minutes. Reduce heat to medium-low, stir quinoa with the onion, and cook, stirring constantly, until the quinoa is lightly toasted, about 2 minutes.
  • Pour water into the saucepan; add bouillon granules, black pepper, and thyme. Bring the liquid to a boil, place a cover on the saucepan, reduce heat to low, and cook at a simmer until the quinoa softens, about 5 minutes.
  • Stir carrot into the quinoa mixture, replace cover, and continue to cook at a simmer until water is completely absorbed, about 10 minutes more.
  • Remove saucepan from heat. Stir tomato and baby spinach into the quinoa mixture until the spinach wilts, about 2 minutes.
  • Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook and stir turkey in the hot skillet until browned and crumbly, 5 to 7 minutes; drain and discard grease. Reduce heat to medium-low. Stir black beans with the turkey; cook and stir until the beans are hot, 2 to 3 minutes; add the quinoa mixture, stir, and cook until heated through, about 5 minutes more.
  • Nutrition

    422 cal.

    • Total Fat: 17g
    • Saturated Fat: 3g
    • Cholesterol: 67mg
    • Sodium: 396mg
    • Total Carbohydrate: 41g
    • Dietary Fiber: 10g
    • Total Sugars: 3g
    • Protein: 29g
    • Vitamin C: 10mg
    • Calcium: 90mg
    • Iron: 5mg
    • Potassium: 814mg