Are you tired of boring, bland holiday sides that leave everyone feeling unsatisfied? Get ready to revolutionize your Thanksgiving table with this mouthwatering Quinoa Harvest Medley that's not just gluten-free, but packed with flavor, nutrition, and festive flair! This show-stopping side dish combines the nutty richness of quinoa with sweet cranberries, crunchy walnuts, and perfectly sautéed vegetables that will have your guests asking for seconds (and begging for the recipe).
Prep Time: 30 mins
Cook Time: 1 hrs
Total Time: 1 hrs 30 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup quinoa
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 1 cup chopped celery
- 1 cup chopped carrots
- 1 onion, diced
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Rinse quinoa thoroughly in a fine-mesh strainer under cold running water to remove any bitter coating.
- In a medium saucepan, combine quinoa and vegetable broth. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-18 minutes until liquid is absorbed and quinoa is fluffy.
- While quinoa is cooking, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced onions and sauté until translucent and lightly golden, about 5-6 minutes.
- Add chopped celery and carrots to the skillet. Cook for an additional 7-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until vegetables are tender but still maintain a slight crunch.
- Once quinoa is cooked, fluff with a fork and transfer to a large mixing bowl.
- Combine the sautéed vegetables with the quinoa, gently mixing to distribute evenly.
- Fold in dried cranberries and chopped walnuts, providing a sweet and crunchy contrast to the savory base.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste, adjusting seasoning as needed.
- Transfer to a serving dish and let sit for 5 minutes to allow flavors to meld together.
- Serve warm as a nutritious and festive gluten-free side dish perfect for Thanksgiving.
Tips
- Always rinse quinoa thoroughly to remove the natural bitter coating called saponin, which can make your dish taste unpleasant.
- Use high-quality vegetable broth for maximum flavor - consider low-sodium options to control salt content.
- Toast your walnuts briefly before adding them to enhance their nutty flavor and add extra crunch.
- For a more colorful presentation, use a mix of rainbow carrots to add visual appeal to your dish.
- Prepare this side dish ahead of time and gently reheat before serving to allow flavors to develop even more.
- For added protein, consider mixing in some cooked chickpeas or roasted turkey bits.
- If you're not a fan of walnuts, substitute with pecans or sliced almonds for variety.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 8g
Fat: 10g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Cholesterol: 0mg
