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healthy brown rice and quinoa pilaf with carrots

Healthy Brown Rice and Quinoa Pilaf with Carrots

Kristina Cadelina
Wholesomeness during the holidays is possible with my Healthy Brown Rice with Quinoa Pilaf with Carrots. It's the perfect side dish for your next dinner. Made with long grain brown rice and tricolored quinoa.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Course Main Course, Side Dish
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 260 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil extra virgin
  • 1/2 cup brown rice long grain
  • 1/2 cup quinoa I use tri-colored but any kind will work
  • 2 cups chicken broth Plus more as needed. To make this vegan, use vegetable broth instead
  • 1/2 sweet onion small diced
  • 2 medium carrots peeled and small diced
  • salt as needed
  • black pepper as needed
  • 1/4 cup italian parsley washed thoroughly and chopped

Instructions
 

  • In a large dutch oven pan, heat oil on medium heat. Add the brown rice, carrots and onion. Let cook for 7 minutes until onions start to sweat and rice starts to get toasted. Add a dash of salt and pepper.
  • Add the quinoa and broth and give it a quick stir. Cover pot. When it begins to boil, turn down to low heat and let it simmer for about 45 minutes or until rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed. 
  • Remove from the heat. Fluff quinoa and rice with a fork.  Add additional salt if needed.
  • Transfer to a serving bowl and top with fresh parsley. 

Notes

Notes: 
To make this recipe healthy I used olive instead of butter which is used in traditional pilafs. If you'd like to use butter, sub out for the same amount. 
This rice will pair well with roasted poultry, beef or white fish. 
To make this rice vegan, use vegetable broth instead of chicken.
Check on the pilaf after 35-40 minutes. The brown rice takes awhile to cook and you may need to add more chicken stock and cooking time. 
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. 
 

Nutrition

Calories: 260kcalCarbohydrates: 39gProtein: 6gFat: 9gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 6gCholesterol: 2mgSodium: 465mgPotassium: 372mgFiber: 4gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 5417IUVitamin C: 9mgCalcium: 46mgIron: 2mg
Keyword Brown Rice and Quinoa Recipes, Healthy Rice Pilaf, Healthy Side Dishes, Holiday Pilaf
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