Quinoa Side Dish is infused with orange, cinnamon, and fresh herbs, and studded with carrots, raisins, and walnuts. This Mediterranean quinoa recipe is easy to make on the stove or in an Instant Pot pressure cooker. It's flavorful enough to stand on its own but delicious with a variety of dishes. If you thought quinoa was boring, you'll change your mind when you try this sweet and savory version.
Quinoa is a staple in my kitchen.
It's like rice in it's versatility, and it's high in fiber and nutrients.
You can learn more about why it's important to include whole grains like quinoa in your diet by reading Mayo Clinic's Whole grains: Hearty options for a healthy diet.
This seed from the Andes comes in a rainbow of colors from white to red to black. You can even buy tri-color quinoa at most markets.
Often I use it in Mexican-inspired dishes like Black Bean Quinoa Casserole and Quinoa Burrito Bowls.
But it's also is a wonderful grain to use in Mediterranean recipes like Orange Scented Quinoa Side Dish.
Mediterranean quinoa ingredients
To make this quinoa side dish, you will need the following ingredients:
- Olive oil (for sauteing)
- Shredded carrots (Use a box grater or food processor to grate the carrots. Or purchase pre-shredded carrots in a bag from the supermarket.)
- Ground cinnamon (A little goes a long way, so you only need a pinch.)
- Quinoa (I used white quinoa in this recipe, but tri-color or red would work well, too.)
- Raisins (or substitute cranberries, chopped apricots, or your favorite dried fruit)
- Walnuts (or nut of your choice)
- Orange (zest and juice)
- Fresh cilantro (or substitute parsley)
- Fresh mint
- Salt and pepper
How to prepare quinoa
For this recipe, you can cook the quinoa on the stove or in an Instant Pot electric pressure cooker.
I have provided instructions for both methods in the recipe below.
To make the quinoa side dish, first saute the shredded carrots in a little olive oil.
Then add a little cinnamon and the rinsed and drained quinoa.
Stir for about a minute, then add water and cook the quinoa.
Once all the water has been absorbed and the quinoa is ready, stir in the raisins, walnuts, orange zest, orange juice, cilantro, mint, and salt and pepper, to taste.
It's so easy!
What can I add to cooked quinoa?
You can use this same simple method and experiment with other Mediterranean flavor combinations.
For example, saute onion and garlic before adding the quinoa, and add cumin instead of cinnamon.
Then stir in pine nuts, sun-dried tomatoes, Kalamata olives, and your favorite fresh herbs.
Or add sauteed mushrooms and spinach to the cooked quinoa.
Quinoa side dish serving suggestions
For a simple meal, I enjoy this quinoa side dish as a main course with a Green Olive Salad or Sauteed Green Beans and Mushrooms.
And it's a wonderful addition to any Thanksgiving or holiday table with Roasted Acorn Squash Slices and Pesto Brussels Sprouts with Sun-Dried Tomatoes.
It goes with practically any dish, including veggie burgers and Baked Tofu Steaks.
Quinoa Side Dish Recipe
This recipe makes 6 servings and takes about 45 minutes to prepare.
The leftovers can be covered and refrigerated for about 5 days.
If you love this recipe, please give it 5 stars!
Orange Scented Quinoa Side Dish
Ingredients
- 1 Tablespoon olive oil
- ½ cup carrots, peeled and grated (use box grater or food processor)
- pinch ground cinnamon
- 1 cup quinoa, rinsed and drained (use fine mesh strainer)
- 2 cups water, (1¼ cups water if using Instant Pot Method)
- ½ cup raisins
- ½ cup walnuts, roughly chopped
- zest of one orange
- 2 Tablespoons orange juice
- 3 Tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 Tablespoon fresh mint, chopped
- salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
Stove Top Method:
- Heat the oil over medium heat.
- Add the carrots and saute until soft.
- Stir in the cinnamon and rinsed quinoa and saute for 1 minute.
- Add the water and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and cover. Simmer until the water is absorbed, 15 to 20 minutes.
- Fold in the raisins, walnuts, orange zest, orange juice, cilantro, and mint. Taste and add salt and pepper as needed and serve.
Instant Pot Method:
- Using the saute function, heat the oil.
- Add the carrots and saute until soft.
- Stir in the cinnamon and rinsed quinoa and saute for 1 minute.
- Add 1¼ cups water and stir to combine. Close and lock the lid. Cook on high pressure for 5 minutes. Allow the pressure to release naturally.
- After the pressure has released, open the lid and fold in the raisins, walnuts, orange zest, orange juice, cilantro, and mint. Taste and add salt and pepper as needed and serve.
Leave a Comment