Quinoa Vegetable Pilaf

I always use to see this ingredient at the local grocery store and thought that it must be too complicated to make, till one of our friends mentioned that they make it all the time and it is super easy to prepare.
Quinoa seeds contain essential amino acids like lysine and good quantities of calcium, phosphorus, and iron. The seeds are in general cooked the same way as rice and can be used in a wide range of dishes.
I made a Pilaf, essentially substituting quinoa for the rice.  It is a different texture for those who are used to rice.

This Recipe Serves 2-3 people

Ingredients:

• 2 cups cooked Quinoa (follow cooking instructions on package)
• 1 medium onion, diced 
• 1 small red and green pepper, diced
• 1 Serrano pepper, finely chopped
• 1 red chilli pepper, finely chopped
• 1/4 cup fresh or frozen corn kernels
• 1 medium potato, diced
• 1 carrot, diced
• 1-2 tomatoes, diced
• 1/4 cup frozen peas
• Mint to garnish

Spices & Seasoning:

• Salt & black pepper to taste
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1/2 tbsp fennel seeds
• 2 bay leaf
• 2 tsp minced garlic
• 2 tsp minced ginger
• Pinch of saffron threads

 Method:

• In a pan, heat up some oil and cook all the veggies, seasoning and spices till the potatoes and carrots are tender.
• Cook the Quinoa per the instruction on the package.
• Add the cooked Quinoa to the veggies and mix well.
• Garnish with fresh mint.
• Serve hot!

Alternative: You can also put the cooked quinoa along with the cooked veggies in a casserole dish, top with thinly sliced tomatoes and sprinkle Parmesan cheese over that.  Broil for 5 minutes - till the cheese is melted.  This prep is perfect for a pot luck.