Quinoa with Cauliflower, Cranberries, and Nuts

This pilaf combines two companionable ingredients—cauliflower and quinoa. If you can plan ahead, having cooked quinoa and chopped cauliflower makes this dish a breeze to put together. Serve with a simple bean or lentil dish and a colorful salad. This serves 6 as a side dish, fewer if used as a main dish.

Quinoa with Cauliflower, Cranberries, and Nuts

This pilaf combines two companionable ingredients—cauliflower and quinoa. If you can plan ahead, having cooked quinoa and chopped cauliflower makes this dish a breeze to put together.

5 from 2 votes

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Course: Quinoa pilaf

Cuisine: Healthy

Diet: Vegan, Vegetarian

Prep Time: 25 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 55 minutes

Servings: 6

Author: Veg Kitchen

Ingredients

• 1 cup quinoa rinsed in a fine sieve
• 2 cups low-sodium vegetable broth or water with 2 low-sodium bouillon cubes
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 medium yellow or red onion finely chopped
• 1 small head cauliflower cut into small pieces and florets
• 1/2 cup dried cranberries
• 1/4 cup minced fresh parsley or more, to taste
• 1 tablespoon fragrant oil like walnut or toasted sesame, optional
• 1 to 2 tablespoons lemon juice to taste
• Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste
• 1/3 cup toasted pine nuts slivered almonds, or shelled pistachios

Instructions

• Combine the quinoa with the broth in a saucepan. Bring to a slow boil, then cover and simmer gently for 15 minutes, or until the water is absorbed.
• Meanwhile, heat the oil in a wide skillet or stir-fry pan. Add the onion and sauté over medium-low heat until golden.
• Add the cauliflower and about 1/3 cup water. Cover and cook for 5 minutes, or until the cauliflower is just tender.
• Once the quinoa is done, add it to the cauliflower mixture, followed by the cranberries, parsley, optional oil, and lemon juice. Toss together, then remove from the heat.
• Season with salt and pepper. Scatter the nuts over the top and serve at once.

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Photos: Hannah Kaminsky

• Here are more quinoa recipes. 
• Find more ways to make Special Occasions and Entertaining easier and healthier.
• Here are more of VegKitchen’s Main Dishes Featuring Grains and/or Beans.