Best 4 Middle Eastern Quinoa Apricots Recipes

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Quinoa and apricots are two versatile ingredients that come together to create a delicious and nutritious Middle Eastern dish. The combination of nutty quinoa, sweet dried apricots, and warm spices like cumin and cinnamon creates a flavorful and aromatic dish that is sure to impress. Whether served as a main course or a side dish, this Middle Eastern quinoa and apricot recipe is a perfect blend of flavors and textures that will delight your taste buds.

Here are our top 4 tried and tested recipes!

QUINOA SALAD WITH APRICOTS, BASIL AND PISTACHIOS



Quinoa Salad with Apricots, Basil and Pistachios image

This easy-to-make salad is packed with fiber (thanks to the quinoa) and flavor-we love the combination of sweet, tangy and peppery. The soft and creamy goat cheese is the perfect topping.

Provided by Food Network Kitchen

Time 2h55m

Yield 6 servings

Number Of Ingredients 9

1 cup quinoa, rinsed and strained
2 1/2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
12 dried apricots, finely diced, or 1/2 cup packed golden seedless raisins
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
5 cups packed baby arugula (about 5 ounces)
1/4 cup thinly sliced fresh basil
Juice of 1 large lemon (about 1/4 cup)
1/2 cup shelled lightly salted pistachios
3 ounces soft goat cheese, crumbled

Steps:

  • Bring 2 cups water to a boil in a small saucepan over high heat. Stir in the quinoa. Cover, reduce the heat to low and cook until the liquid is just absorbed and the quinoa is moist and nearly tender, about 15 minutes.
  • Transfer the quinoa to a large bowl and immediately stir in the oil, apricots, 1 1/4 teaspoons salt and 3/4 teaspoon pepper. Set aside to cool slightly, about 20 minutes, stirring a couple times. Refrigerate until chilled, at least 2 hours.
  • When the quinoa is cool and ready to serve, stir in the arugula, basil, lemon juice and pistachios. Add salt and pepper to taste. Sprinkle with the goat cheese and serve.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 300 calorie, Fat 15 grams, SaturatedFat 3.5 grams, Cholesterol 5 milligrams, Sodium 510 milligrams, Carbohydrate 33 grams, Fiber 5 grams, Protein 10 grams, Sugar 10 grams

SPINACH AND QUINOA SALAD WITH DRIED APRICOTS



Spinach and Quinoa Salad with Dried Apricots image

This salad is so, so, SO pretty, and a cool example of how quinoa can play a supporting role in a salad. The play of leafy greens against the quinoa, punctuated by the tart chewiness of the dried apricots, the bite of the onion and the tanginess of the dressing, makes for a very exciting salad.

Provided by Katie Workman

Categories     side-dish

Time 1h

Yield 4 to 6 servings

Number Of Ingredients 10

2 tablespoons plus 2 teaspoons extra-virgin olive oil
1 cup quinoa
2 cups low-sodium vegetable broth
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
6 cups roughly chopped baby spinach
1 cup diced dried apricots
1/2 cup slivered red onion
1/2 cup roughly chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley leaves, optional
3/4 cup crumbled goat or feta cheese

Steps:

  • Heat 2 teaspoons of the olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat, then add the quinoa and cook, stirring frequently, for 2 minutes. Add the broth. Bring to a simmer over high heat, then reduce the heat to medium low and simmer, covered, for 15 to 18 minutes, until all of the water is absorbed.
  • Spread the cooked quinoa out on a rimmed baking sheet to cool. In a small bowl or container, combine the lemon juice and remaining 2 tablespoons olive oil; season with salt and pepper.
  • In a large serving bowl, mix together the spinach, apricots, onion and parsley if using and toss with the dressing. Lightly toss in the cooled quinoa. Sprinkle with the cheese and serve.

MOROCCAN STYLE QUINOA



Moroccan Style Quinoa image

A Middle Eastern themed dish. Can accompany lamb, fish or chicken- basically anywhere as a substitute for cous cous. Quinoa is gluten free. Serves 4 as a side dish.

Provided by Jubes

Categories     Grains

Time 40m

Yield 4 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 11

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 Spanish onion, cut into chunks
2 garlic cloves, crushed
1/2 teaspoon turmeric
1/2 teaspoon cumin powder
1 1/2 cups quinoa
1 lime, juice and zest of
1/2 cup slivered almonds
1/4 cup currants
1/2 cup fresh coriander, roughly chopped
lime wedge, to serve

Steps:

  • Heat the oil, sauté the onion for 2 - 3 minutes, until it's transparent. Add the garlic and spices and cook for a further 1 minute.
  • Rinse the quinoa thoroughly, using a strainer. Add the quinoa to the pan with the onion and lime zest, stir.
  • Measure the water and lime juice in a jug to make 2 cups of liqud.
  • Add the water to the pan and gently bring it to the boil,continue to stir.Once boiled, cover the pan, reduce the heat and simmer for 15 minutes or until the water has completely absorbed into the quinoa.
  • Add add the almonds, currants and coriander.
  • Garnish with lime wedges and serve.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 385.9, Fat 14.1, SaturatedFat 1.4, Sodium 7.2, Carbohydrate 54.9, Fiber 7.4, Sugar 8, Protein 12.8

MIDDLE EASTERN QUINOA & APRICOTS



Middle Eastern Quinoa & Apricots image

This is a sweetish healthy side dish, or vegan main dish. Perfect for Thanksgiving. I use a packaged mix of the 3 grains but I suppose you can use what ever grains you like. I am going to try this with brown rice.

Provided by Jozieo

Categories     Grains

Time 40m

Yield 4-6 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 9

1 cup of mixed quinoa, Red Lentils & Bulgar Wheat
3 -6 chopped apricots
2 tablespoons raisins
3 cinnamon sticks
1 teaspoon turmeric
1/3 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon salt
3 cloves
1 tablespoon olive oil

Steps:

  • In a pot:.
  • Stir fry the grains in 1 Tbsp oil for 3 minutes.
  • Add chopped apricots, raisins, spices and stir.
  • Add 2 1/4 c hot or boiling water.
  • Bring to boil, cover pot and simmer on a low flame for 34-45 minutess. (All the water should be absorbed).
  • Turn off stove and let sit an additional 10 minutes.
  • Serve hot.
  • (my hubbie likes this cold too).

Tips:

  • Rinse the quinoa thoroughly before cooking. This will remove any bitter saponins that may be present on the quinoa.
  • Use a good quality vegetable broth. This will add flavor to the quinoa.
  • Feel free to add other vegetables to the quinoa. Some good options include chopped carrots, celery, or bell peppers.
  • Add dried fruit and nuts for a sweet and crunchy addition. Apricots, raisins, and almonds are all great options.
  • Serve the quinoa warm or at room temperature. It can be served as a side dish or as a main course.

Conclusion:

This Middle Eastern quinoa with apricots recipe is a delicious and healthy way to enjoy this ancient grain. It's easy to make and can be tailored to your own taste preferences. Whether you serve it as a side dish or as a main course, this quinoa dish is sure to be a hit.

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