Quinoa Almond Pilaf

I needed a side dish the other day and found this yummy recipe. 

Quinoa Almond Pilaf

Ingredients:
1 cup quinoa, rinsed and drained
2 cups cold water
1/2 tsp salt
3-4 tablespoons olive oil
2 celery ribs, chopped
2 carrots, chopped
1 medium onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
16 almonds, coarsely chopped
2 small tomatoes, seeded and chopped
1/4 cup raisins or craisins
1/4 tsp each salt, black pepper, dried thyme, dried oregano
pinch of sea salt

Directions:
Combine quinoa, cold water and salt in saucepan; bring to a boil, reduce heat to medium-low, place a cover on the saucepan and cook until the liquid is fully absorbed, about 15 minutes.  Check occasionally as more water may be needed.

Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.  Cook and stir celery, onion and carrot  in the hot oil until the onion is translucent, 5-7 minutes.  Add the garlic and cook 1 more minute.  Stir almonds, tomato, raisins, salt, pepper, thyme and oregano in to the vegetable mixture;  cook and stir 1 minute more.

Fluff the cooked quinoa with a fork and stir into the mixture in the skillet;  cook and stir until evenly mixed and hot, about 1 minute.

Top each serving with a few sprinkles of sea salt granules if wanted.  Serves 6 and should be ready in 45 minutes.