Date Almond Quinoa Pilaf

When you are contemplating the meal of the day, whether that is breakfast, lunch or dinner, this Date Almond Quinoa Pilaf can be incorporated into all three. If you're looking for vegetarian meals, this recipe is vegetarian-friendly, but can also include animal protein by simply adding it in. If you are not making vegetarian meals, we recommend adding chicken as it pairs nicely with this recipe. Quinoa health facts show that it provides a good amount of protein. So when preparing vegetarian meals, using quinoa gives you the added benefit of more protein which is what many vegetarians and vegans are typically seeking.

Directions

1. In a large pot or rice cooker place quinoa and water or broth and cook for about 20 minutes on medium to low heat, until all the liquid is absorbed. (You can use a paper towel under the lid for the pot to help remove the moisture.)

2. Add in the Eatnuts.com Dates and Eatnuts.com Slivered Almonds and continue to cook for another 5-10 minutes, being careful not to let it burn in the bottom of the pan.

3. Remove from the stove and serve immediately as a side dish, in a wrap, or any other dish.

4. Allow quinoa to cool before you store it in the refrigerator.

The combination of the quinoa, Eatnuts.com Dates and Eatnuts.com Slivered Almonds pair very well together from the perspective of taste and texture. The hint of sweetness from the dates adds excitement to a dish that may otherwise be somewhat bland. The combined textures of the slight crunch from the slivered almonds, softness from the quinoa and gooey stickiness from the dates also make this dish an adventure to eat.