Imagine a hearty, nutritious meal that practically cooks itself while filling your kitchen with irresistible aromas. This Crock Pot Multigrain Pilaf is not just a recipe—it's a game-changing culinary experience that combines the wholesome goodness of quinoa and brown rice with vibrant, fresh vegetables. Perfect for busy home cooks who refuse to compromise on flavor and nutrition, this one-pot wonder will revolutionize your weeknight dinner strategy and impress even the pickiest eaters.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 4 hrs
Total Time: 4 hrs 15 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup quinoa
- 1 cup brown rice
- 1 cup vegetable broth
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, diced
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Rinse quinoa and brown rice thoroughly under cold water to remove any excess starch and potential bitterness.
- In a large skillet, heat a small amount of olive oil over medium heat. Sauté chopped onions, carrots, and bell peppers until they begin to soften, approximately 3-4 minutes.
- Add minced garlic and cumin to the vegetable mixture, stirring constantly to prevent burning and to release the aromatic flavors, about 30-45 seconds.
- Transfer the sautéed vegetable mixture to the crock pot, adding the rinsed quinoa and brown rice.
- Pour vegetable broth over the grains and vegetables, ensuring all ingredients are well combined.
- Season with salt and pepper, gently stirring to distribute the seasonings evenly.
- Cover the crock pot and set to low heat. Cook for 4 hours, allowing the grains to absorb the liquid and become tender.
- After cooking time is complete, let the pilaf rest for 10-15 minutes with the lid on to allow remaining moisture to be absorbed.
- Fluff the pilaf with a fork before serving, checking seasoning and adding additional salt and pepper if needed.
Tips
- Always rinse quinoa and brown rice thoroughly to remove any bitter coating and ensure a clean, pure grain flavor.
- Take the time to sauté your vegetables before adding them to the crock pot—this extra step develops deeper, more complex flavors.
- Use low-sodium vegetable broth to control the salt content and allow you to season more precisely.
- Don't lift the crock pot lid during cooking, as this releases heat and can significantly extend cooking time.
- For added protein, consider stirring in some cooked chickpeas or diced tofu during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
- Experiment with different herb combinations like fresh thyme, rosemary, or parsley to customize the flavor profile.
- If you prefer a slightly firmer texture, reduce cooking time by 30 minutes and check grain tenderness.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 8g
Fat: 5g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 0mg
