This Trader Joe’s Harvest Blend recipe is a hearty and flavorful pilaf, which is made with sautéed onion and garlic. It’s the perfect side dish for any weeknight meal, ready in about 45 minutes.
Jump to RecipeTrader Joe’s Harvest Blend Recipe Ingredients
- 1 cup Trader Joe’s Harvest Grains Blend
- 2 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- ½ onion, finely diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh herbs for garnish (parsley, thyme, or basil)
How To Make Trader Joe’s Harvest Blend
- Sauté the Aromatics: In a medium saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onions and minced garlic, and sauté for 2-3 minutes, until the onions are translucent and fragrant.
- Toast the Grains: Pour in the Harvest Grains Blend and stir to coat. Let the grains toast lightly with the onions and garlic for about 1 minute.
- Simmer the Pilaf: Add the broth to the saucepan and bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to a low simmer, cover the pot tightly, and let it cook for about 30 minutes.
- Rest and Fluff: After 30 minutes, all the liquid should be absorbed and the grains should be tender. Remove the pot from the heat and let it stand, still covered, for 5 minutes.
- Garnish and Serve: Uncover the pot and fluff the pilaf with a fork. Season with salt and pepper to taste, garnish with fresh herbs, and serve warm.
Recipe Tips
- How to get the most flavor? The first two steps are key! Sautéing the onion and garlic builds a savory base, and toasting the dry grains in the hot oil for a minute before adding the liquid brings out their nutty, complex flavors.
- Can I make this vegetarian? Yes, absolutely. Simply use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth to make this a delicious and easy vegetarian or vegan side dish.
- How can I customize this pilaf? This is a great base recipe. For extra flavor and texture, try sautéing some sliced mushrooms with the onions, or stirring in some crumbled feta cheese, toasted nuts (like almonds or pecans), or chopped sun-dried tomatoes at the end.
- Why do I have to let the grains rest? The 5-minute resting period after cooking is crucial! It allows the grains to steam and finish absorbing any remaining moisture, which results in a perfectly fluffy, not mushy, texture.
What To Serve With Harvest Grains Blend
This versatile and healthy side dish pairs beautifully with a wide variety of main courses. It’s an excellent accompaniment to:
- Roasted Chicken
- Grilled Salmon or other fish
- Pan-seared Pork Chops
- As a base for a grain bowl, topped with roasted vegetables and a protein.
How To Store Harvest Grains Blend
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. It’s a fantastic side dish for meal prepping.
- Freeze: Allow the pilaf to cool completely. For best results, freeze it in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer it to a freezer-safe bag. It will keep for up to 3 months.
Trader Joe’s Harvest Grains Blend Nutrition Facts
- Serving: 1/4 of recipe
- Calories: 280 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Protein: 12g
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Sodium: 850mg
Nutrition information is estimated and may vary based on ingredients and cooking methods used.
FAQs
The blend is a unique and delicious mix of Israeli-style couscous, orzo, baby garbanzo beans, and red quinoa. This combination provides a wonderful variety of textures and a nutty flavor.
No, it is not necessary to rinse this particular blend before cooking, especially when making it in the pilaf style where the grains are toasted first.
A mushy result is usually caused by either adding too much liquid or by skipping the final resting and fluffing steps. Make sure to use the 2:1 liquid-to-grain ratio, and don’t be tempted to peek or stir during the final 5-minute rest period.
Try More Recipes:
Trader Joe’s Harvest Blend Recipe
Course: Side DishCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy4
servings5
minutes35
minutes280
kcalA simple and flavorful pilaf-style side dish featuring Trader Joe’s unique blend of Israeli couscous, orzo, and quinoa, all simmered in a savory broth with aromatics.
Ingredients
1 cup Trader Joe’s Harvest Grains Blend
2 cups chicken or vegetable broth
½ onion, finely diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh herbs for garnish
Directions
- In a saucepan, sauté the onion and garlic in olive oil over medium heat until softened.
- Stir in the Harvest Grains Blend and toast for 1 minute.
- Pour in the broth, bring the mixture to a boil.
- Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot tightly, and simmer for 30 minutes until the liquid is absorbed.
- Remove from the heat and let it stand, still covered, for 5 minutes.
- Fluff with a fork, season with salt and pepper, and garnish with fresh herbs before serving.
Notes
- The most important tip for this recipe is to let the pilaf rest, covered and off the heat, for a full 5 minutes before fluffing; this is the secret to a perfect texture.
- Toasting the grains in the pan for a minute before adding the liquid is a simple step that deeply enhances their nutty flavor.
- For a perfect cook, do not lift the lid while the grains are simmering. This keeps the steam locked in where it’s needed.
- This recipe is a fantastic base. Feel free to stir in some crumbled feta, toasted almonds, or other additions at the end to make it your own.
