Spiced Quinoa with Vegetables and Herbs

This spiced quinoa recipe is a perfect dish for a quick and nutritious meal. It combines the goodness of quinoa with a variety of vegetables, and is flavored with aromatic spices and herbs. This dish is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients, making it a great choice for a wholesome lunch or dinner. The interesting blend of flavors and textures in this recipe will leave you satisfied and wanting more.

Ingredients

• 1 cup quinoa
• 2 cups vegetable broth
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon turmeric
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1 bell pepper, diced
• 1 zucchini, diced
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
• Juice of 1 lemon
• Salt and pepper to taste

Directions

1. Rinse the quinoa under cold water to remove any bitterness and drain well.
2. In a saucepan, bring the vegetable broth to a boil. Add the quinoa, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 15 minutes or until all the liquid is absorbed and quinoa is cooked.
3. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, and cook until the onion is translucent and the garlic is fragrant.
4. Add the ground cumin, paprika, turmeric, and cayenne pepper to the skillet. Stir well to coat the onion and garlic with the spices.
5. Add the diced bell pepper, zucchini, and cherry tomatoes to the skillet. Cook for about 5 minutes or until the vegetables are tender-crisp.
6. Once the quinoa is cooked, fluff it with a fork and transfer it to the skillet with the vegetables. Mix well to combine.
7. Add the chopped fresh cilantro and lemon juice to the skillet. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir everything together until well incorporated.
8. Remove from heat and let the flavors meld for a few minutes.
9. Serve the spiced quinoa warm as a main dish or a side dish. Enjoy!

Interesting Facts