Turkey-Vegetable Quinoa Pilaf

Make this simple, nourishing quinoa recipe for dinner when you are pinched for time and need to use up the vegetables in your fridge! It's best to use leftover, or completely cooled, cooked quinoa when making pilafs or stir-frys. This way it doesn't clump up during the sautéing process. Use whatever veggies and fresh herbs you have on hand. For example, I've used carrots, asparagus, and cauliflower before. Snipped fresh chives and dill are excellent additions as well. If you don't have ground turkey, don't add it. Leftover cooked chicken or beans can work here too. 

This recipe is suitable for phase 3 of our Elimination Diet, or omit the red bell peppers (nightshades) and use it during phase 2. If you are following one of the stricter variations for severe gut disorders, then omit the quinoa and serve the turkey-veggie part over cooked spaghetti or kabocha squash. 

Turkey-Vegetable Quinoa Pilaf

Use the directions for cooking quinoa in one of my cookbooks. Look for organic ground dark meat turkey in the frozen section of your local health food store. Ground chicken or lamb work well here too. I also love adding a handful of chopped fresh basil leaves to each serving if I have them on hand. Serve pilaf alongside a large romaine lettuce salad for a balanced meal.

2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
1 medium red onion, cut into half moons
1 large red bell pepper, diced
2 medium zucchinis, cut into half moons
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon Herbamare or sea salt
freshly ground black pepper
4 cups cooked quinoa
1 cup chopped parsley

For the Turkey:
1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
1 pound ground organic turkey
1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
sea salt and freshly ground black pepper

Heat a 12-inch deep cast iron skillet over medium heat. Add the olive oil, then add the onions; sauté for about 5 minutes, then add the other vegetables, dried herbs, salt, and pepper. Sauté veggies for about 5 to 7 more minutes. While veggies are cooking start cooking the turkey. Heat another smaller skillet over medium heat. Add the tablespoon of oil and then add the turkey, seasoning, salt, and pepper; sauté a few minutes or until cooked through. Add to the pan with the vegetables.

Add the quinoa to the turkey and vegetables and sauté a few minutes more. Add the parsley, stir, and serve. Source: www.NourishingMeals.com

Yield: about 6 servings





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