Description
A flavorful and wholesome One Pot Moroccan Quinoa dish combining aromatic spices, fresh vegetables, and protein-rich chickpeas, perfect for a healthy and comforting meal prepared all in one pot.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 cup quinoa, rinsed
- 2 cups vegetable broth or water
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 carrot, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 zucchini, diced
- 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, rinsed and drained
Spices & Seasonings
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon turmeric
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Garnish (Optional)
- Fresh parsley or cilantro
- Dried fruits (raisins or apricots) for added sweetness
Instructions
- Heat Olive Oil: In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat to prepare for sautéing.
- Sauté Onion and Garlic: Add diced onion and minced garlic to the pot and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until the onion turns translucent.
- Add Carrot and Bell Pepper: Stir in the diced carrot and red bell pepper, cooking for another 3-4 minutes until they soften slightly.
- Add Zucchini: Mix in the diced zucchini and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes to combine flavors.
- Incorporate Spices: Sprinkle in the ground cumin, coriander, cinnamon, and turmeric. Stir well and cook for about a minute until the spices become fragrant.
- Add Quinoa and Broth: Pour in the rinsed quinoa and vegetable broth, stirring to blend all ingredients evenly.
- Add Chickpeas: Add the rinsed and drained chickpeas to the pot and gently mix with the quinoa and vegetable mixture.
- Simmer: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover the pot and simmer for about 20 minutes or until the quinoa is fully cooked and has absorbed all the broth.
- Fluff and Season: Remove the pot from heat and fluff the quinoa with a fork. Season with salt and pepper according to taste.
- Garnish and Serve: Serve the Moroccan quinoa warm, garnished with fresh parsley or cilantro. Optionally, sprinkle dried fruits such as raisins or apricots for added sweetness and texture.
Notes
- Rinsing quinoa before cooking helps remove natural bitterness.
- Vegetable broth adds more flavor than water but can be substituted if preferred.
- Adjust spices based on personal taste preference or dietary needs.
- Dried fruits add a sweet contrast to the savory spices and vegetables.
- Can be served as a main dish or a side to grilled meats or salads.
