Best 2 Hot And Zesty Quinoa Recipes

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Quinoa, a versatile and nutritious grain, is a staple in many households. With its nutty flavor and high protein content, it can be used in various dishes, including salads, soups, and pilafs. However, if you're looking for a dish that packs a punch, look no further than hot and zesty quinoa. This flavorful dish combines the best of both worlds, offering a perfect balance of heat and zest. In this article, we'll explore some of the best recipes for creating a hot and zesty quinoa dish that will tantalize your taste buds and leave you craving more.

Check out the recipes below so you can choose the best recipe for yourself!

ZESTY QUINOA SALAD



Zesty Quinoa Salad image

This bright and colorful salad is a great summertime recipe (or anytime you want to feel like it's summertime). Light and citrusy, it's a whole new way to enjoy quinoa. Lime juice and cilantro give a refreshing kick, while quinoa and black beans provide tasty vegan protein. If you're not vegan, add even more protein by adding chunks of chicken or turkey. Yum!

Provided by scrumdiddly

Categories     Salad     Grains     Quinoa Salad Recipes

Time 30m

Yield 6

Number Of Ingredients 12

1 cup quinoa
2 cups water
¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil
2 limes, juiced
2 teaspoons ground cumin
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon red pepper flakes, or more to taste
1 ½ cups halved cherry tomatoes
1 (15 ounce) can black beans, drained and rinsed
5 green onions, finely chopped
¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro
salt and ground black pepper to taste

Steps:

  • Bring quinoa and water to a boil in a saucepan. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer until quinoa is tender and water has been absorbed, 10 to 15 minutes. Set aside to cool.
  • Whisk olive oil, lime juice, cumin, 1 teaspoon salt, and red pepper flakes together in a bowl.
  • Combine quinoa, tomatoes, black beans, and green onions together in a bowl. Pour dressing over quinoa mixture; toss to coat. Stir in cilantro; season with salt and black pepper. Serve immediately or chill in refrigerator.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 269.6 calories, Carbohydrate 33.8 g, Fat 11.5 g, Fiber 8.4 g, Protein 8.9 g, SaturatedFat 1.4 g, Sodium 674.5 mg, Sugar 1.7 g

HOT AND ZESTY QUINOA



Hot and Zesty Quinoa image

"I created this healthy whole grain side to serve my family instead of potatoes or rice. It's so easy and has a little kick. Quinoa's a nurturing grain and a complete protein." -Sandra Letizia, Providence, Rhode Island

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Side Dishes

Time 25m

Yield 4 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 8

1 cup water
1/2 cup quinoa, rinsed
1 small onion, finely chopped
1 teaspoon olive oil
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 can (10 ounces) diced tomatoes and green chilies
2 tablespoons chopped marinated quartered artichoke hearts
2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese

Steps:

  • In a small saucepan, bring water to a boil. Add quinoa. Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 12-15 minutes or until liquid is absorbed. Remove from the heat; fluff with a fork., In a large skillet, saute onion in oil until tender. Add garlic; cook 1 minute longer. Add tomatoes and green chilies. Bring to a boil over medium heat. Reduce heat; simmer, uncovered, for 10 minutes. Stir in quinoa and artichoke; heat through. Sprinkle with cheese.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 135 calories, Fat 5g fat (1g saturated fat), Cholesterol 2mg cholesterol, Sodium 361mg sodium, Carbohydrate 20g carbohydrate (1g sugars, Fiber 2g fiber), Protein 5g protein. Diabetic Exchanges

Tips for Making Hot and Zesty Quinoa:

  • Rinse the quinoa thoroughly before cooking. This will remove the bitter coating and help the quinoa cook evenly.
  • Use a flavorful broth or water. This will add extra flavor to the quinoa without overpowering it.
  • Add vegetables, herbs, and spices to your quinoa. This will make it a more nutritious and flavorful dish.
  • Cook the quinoa until it is fluffy and tender. This will usually take about 15 minutes.
  • Fluff the quinoa with a fork before serving. This will help to separate the grains and make them light and airy.

Conclusion:

Hot and zesty quinoa is a delicious and versatile dish that can be enjoyed for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. It is a good source of protein, fiber, and nutrients. By following the tips above, you can make a perfect pot of hot and zesty quinoa every time.

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