Spiced Quinoa with Roasted Vegetables

Yield: 4 servings Prep Time: 15 minutes Cook Time: 30-40 minutes

Ingredients:

• 1 cup quinoa, rinsed

• 2 cups vegetable broth

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 1 onion, chopped

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 teaspoon ground cumin

• 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander

• 1/4 teaspoon chili powder (adjust to taste)

• 1/2 cup chopped bell pepper (any color)

• 1 cup chopped zucchini

• 1 cup chopped broccoli florets

• Salt and pepper to taste

• Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions:

1. Cook Quinoa: In a medium saucepan, combine quinoa and vegetable broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until all the liquid is absorbed.

2. Roast Vegetables: While the quinoa is cooking, preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss the chopped vegetables with olive oil, salt, and pepper on a baking sheet. Roast for 15-20 minutes, or until tender-crisp.

3. Sauté Spices: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onion and garlic and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add cumin, coriander, and chili powder and cook for 1 minute more.

4. Combine & Serve: Add the roasted vegetables to the skillet with the onion and spices. Stir to combine. Add the cooked quinoa to the skillet and gently fold everything together. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with fresh cilantro before serving.

Tips & Variations:

• Spice it Up: Adjust the amount of chili powder to your desired heat level. You can also add other spices like smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, or a pinch of red pepper flakes for extra kick.

• Veggie Swap: Feel free to use your favorite seasonal vegetables. Some great options include:

• Root vegetables: Sweet potatoes, carrots, beets

• Summer vegetables: Corn, tomatoes, eggplant

• Other: Mushrooms, Brussels sprouts, asparagus

• Boost the Flavor:

• Use vegetable broth instead of water for extra flavor in the quinoa.

• Add a squeeze of lemon or lime juice to the finished dish for brightness.

• Top with feta cheese, crumbled goat cheese, or toasted nuts for added texture and flavor.

• Make it Ahead: This dish is great for meal prep! Cook the quinoa and roast the vegetables in advance. Store them separately in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently before serving.

Spice Up Your Weeknights: Spiced Quinoa with Roasted Veggies (A Nibbler's Delight!)

Let's be honest, fellow dreamers, weeknight dinners can sometimes feel like a culinary battle. Between juggling schedules and the ever-present "what's for dinner?" dilemma, it's easy to resort to takeout or the same old, same old. But fear not! This Spiced Quinoa with Roasted Vegetables is here to save the day.

This dish is a symphony of flavors and textures, a vibrant celebration of the season. The quinoa, fluffy and perfectly cooked, provides a wholesome base for a medley of roasted vegetables. Think vibrant bell peppers, tender zucchini, and crisp broccoli florets, all bathed in a warm embrace of spices.

And the best part? It's incredibly versatile, fellow nibblers! Feel free to swap out the vegetables based on what's in season or what you have on hand. Root vegetables like sweet potatoes and carrots add a touch of sweetness, while summer favorites like corn and eggplant bring a fresh, summery vibe.

Spice it Up:

This recipe is a blank canvas for your culinary creativity. Don't be afraid to experiment with different spices! A pinch of smoked paprika, a sprinkle of cayenne pepper, or a dash of red pepper flakes can add a fiery kick.

Boost the Flavor:

• Vegetable broth power-up: For extra flavor, use vegetable broth instead of water to cook the quinoa.

• Citrusy zing: A squeeze of lemon or lime juice adds a bright, refreshing touch.

• Topping treats: Get creative with toppings! Feta cheese, crumbled goat cheese, or toasted nuts add a delightful crunch and boost of flavor.

Make-Ahead Magic: This dish is a dream for meal prep! Cook the quinoa and roast the vegetables in advance. Store them separately in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently before serving.

Drizzle Dreams:

• Tahini Dream: Drizzle with tahini for a creamy, nutty flavor.

• Lemon Love: A drizzle of lemon-tahini dressing is a match made in heaven.

• Spicy Kick: Add a dollop of harissa or sriracha for a fiery finish.

So there you have it, fellow dreamers – a simple, delicious, and incredibly versatile recipe that will brighten up your weeknight dinners. Now go forth and create your own culinary masterpiece!

P.S. Make sure if you try it out you give me some feedback. I love hearing from my fellow dreamers and nibblers about their cooking adventures. Not following me? Not a problem! Hit the emojis below to come to my social networks and let's connect!

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