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Brown Rice & Quinoa Pilaf

Breads & Grains

Brown Rice & Quinoa Pilaf

Serves 6 · About 55 minutes

A savory whole-grain pilaf combining brown rice and quinoa with onion, garlic, herbs and lemon—a versatile way to add complete plant protein, fiber and essential nutrients to the plate.

Blood Sugar FriendlyHeart Healthy
Prep10 min
Cook40 min
Total55 min
Yield6 servings
Share RecipeBrowse Recipes
Plant-ForwardBuilt around plant foods and everyday ingredients.
Whole-Food FocusDesigned to make nutrient-dense choices easier.
Flavor FirstHerbs, spices and aromatics bring satisfying flavor.
Everyday WellnessA practical recipe for a balanced eating pattern.

Ingredients

  • 1 cup brown basmati rice, rinsed
  • 1 cup quinoa, rinsed very well in a fine-mesh strainer
  • 1 medium onion, finely diced
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
  • 3½ cups low-sodium vegetable broth or water, plus a splash more if needed
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • ½ teaspoon ground cumin, optional
  • 1 bay leaf
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • ¼ teaspoon salt, or to taste
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley
  • Optional: ¼ cup toasted unsalted almonds, walnuts or pumpkin seeds

Directions

  1. Rinse the brown rice. Rinse the quinoa especially well in a fine-mesh strainer under cool running water to remove any remaining bitter-tasting saponins.
  2. Heat the olive oil in a medium-to-large saucepan over medium heat. Add the onion and cook for 4–5 minutes, until softened. Add the garlic and cook for about 30 seconds.
  3. Stir in the brown rice, quinoa, thyme, cumin if using, bay leaf and black pepper. Cook for about 1 minute, stirring, to coat the grains with the aromatics.
  4. Add 3½ cups broth or water and bring to a boil. Reduce to low, cover and simmer gently for about 35–40 minutes. Check near the end; if the grains are not tender and the pan is dry, add a small splash of hot water and continue cooking.
  5. Remove from the heat and let stand, covered, for 5–10 minutes. Remove the bay leaf and fluff gently with a fork.
  6. Fold in the lemon juice and parsley. Taste before adding salt. Garnish with toasted unsalted nuts or seeds if desired.

Pairs Well With

Good companions for serving this recipe:

Women First Morgantown • Find this recipe online: https://www.womenfirstmorgantown.com/brown-rice-quinoa-pilaf.html

A friendly note: These recipes are offered for general wellness inspiration. Individual nutrition needs and food restrictions vary; ask your healthcare professional for personalized guidance.