I had a hard time finding kale this past week - must have been a shortage somewhere in the food chain. Of course, this happened when I decided I just had to try a new pilaf recipe - go figure! In any case, I did finally manage to pick some up hence you're getting the recipe today. I combined it with sweet potatoes and a prepackaged quinoa and brown rice mix that I always have on hand and it came out really great! It is even good reheated which means you can make it ahead of time for busy weeknights.
This makes a wonderful meatless meal as quinoa has tons of protein, a good gluten-free meal a well as a nutritious side.
Kale, Quinoa and Sweet Potatoes Pilaf
Ingredients
- 1 8.5-oz pkg Quinoa & Brown Rice with Garlic (I use Seeds of Change Microwavable Quinoa and Brown Rice with Garlic)
- 1 medium sweet potato
- 2 Tablespoons + 1 teaspoon olive oil
- ½ onion, chopped
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
- ⅛ teaspoon nutmeg
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon pepper
- 2 cups kale, chopped
Directions
Cook the Quinoa and Brown Rice according to package directions. If you want to make the quinoa from scratch, combine 1-½ cups quinoa with 2-½ cups vegetable or chicken stock and cook according to package directions. Set aside.
In the meantime, cook sweet potato in microwave for about 8 minutes, depending on your oven's wattage, or until al dente. Let cool then peel skin off and dice. Set aside.
In a large skillet, heat 1 Tablespoon olive oil and saute the onions until soft and translucent, about 5 minters. Add one more tablespoon olive oil, seasonings and diced sweet potato and saute for another 5 minutes. Add to quinoa mix.
In same skillet, add 1 teaspoon olive oil and kale and cook quickly for about 3 minutes, stirring continuously. Add to quinoa and sweet potato mixture, mix and serve.
Serves 2-4.
