Best 7 Spiced Quinoa Recipes

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Spiced quinoa, a delightful blend of flavors and textures, is a true culinary journey that takes your taste buds on an adventure. This versatile dish not only satisfies your hunger but also nourishes your body with essential nutrients, making it a perfect choice for health-conscious individuals and food enthusiasts alike. With its captivating aroma and vibrant colors, spiced quinoa captivates the senses, inviting you to embark on a culinary exploration of exotic spices, wholesome grains, and nutritious ingredients.

Here are our top 7 tried and tested recipes!

SPICED QUINOA



Spiced Quinoa image

This recipe combines pungent Mediterranean and Indian flavors for a quick and delicious side dish.

Provided by Cinderella

Categories     Side Dish     Grain Side Dish Recipes

Time 45m

Yield 4

Number Of Ingredients 13

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 small onion, chopped
1 clove garlic, minced
¾ cup quinoa
1 ½ teaspoons curry powder
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
½ teaspoon cumin
¼ teaspoon cinnamon
1 ½ cups chicken stock
1 (14 ounce) can garbanzo beans, drained and rinsed
½ cup toasted pine nuts
½ cup raisins, soaked in hot water and drained

Steps:

  • Stir together the olive oil, onion, and garlic in a saucepan over medium heat until the onion has softened and turned translucent, about 5 minutes. Stir in the quinoa, curry powder, salt, pepper, cumin, cinnamon, and chicken stock. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer 20 minutes until the quinoa is tender.
  • Once the quinoa has finished cooking, stir in the drained garbanzo beans, toasted pine nuts, and raisins. Serve warm or cold.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 439.8 calories, Carbohydrate 64.8 g, Cholesterol 0.3 mg, Fat 15.6 g, Fiber 8.9 g, Protein 14.8 g, SaturatedFat 2.3 g, Sodium 851.1 mg, Sugar 13.7 g

SPICED YELLOW LENTILS WITH QUINOA



Spiced Yellow Lentils with Quinoa image

This lentil dish is inspired by Mark Bittman's revelatory article and dal recipes that ran in The New York Times Magazine on Dec. 2, 2012. I didn't have a fresh green chile in the fridge so I used a little cayenne instead to spice it up. I wanted to introduce some color so I added half of a red bell pepper that was in my refrigerator to the mix. I am making the cilantro optional because I didn't have any even though normally I would have used it; the dish was fine without it.

Provided by Martha Rose Shulman

Categories     dinner, weekday, main course

Time 1h30m

Yield 4 to 6 servings

Number Of Ingredients 16

3/4 cup regular blond quinoa
1/4 cup red quinoa
1 1/4 cups water
1/2 to 3/4 teaspoon salt, to taste
1 cup brown or split yellow lentils (toor dal), rinsed
1 teaspoon minced fresh ginger
1 1/2 teaspoons turmeric
1/2 medium onion (intact), peeled
Salt to taste
1 1/2 tablespoons fresh lime juice or 1/4 cup tamarind water (made from soaking 1 tablespoon tamarind paste in warm water for 10 minutes; optional)
2 tablespoons grape seed oil, canola oil, safflower oil or sunflower oil
1/2 cup finely minced red bell pepper
1 plump garlic clove, minced
1 teaspoon cumin seeds
Cayenne pepper to taste
3 tablespoons chopped cilantro

Steps:

  • Rinse the quinoa thoroughly and combine with the water and salt in a large saucepan. Bring to a boil, cover and reduce the heat to low. Simmer 15 to 20 minutes, until the white quinoa displays a little white spiral. Turn off the heat, remove the lid and place a dish towel over the top of the pot. Return the lid and let sit for 15 minutes. The quinoa will now be fluffy. Keep warm.
  • Meanwhile, combine the lentils, ginger, turmeric and onion half (don't chop it) with 1 quart water and salt to taste (about 1 to 1 1/2 teaspoons) and bring to a gentle boil. Stir only once to make sure there are no lentils sticking to the bottom of the pot. Reduce the heat to medium - the lentils should simmer briskly - and cook uncovered until the lentils are tender, 30 to 40 minutes. Stir in the lime juice or tamarind concentrate and add another 1/2 cup water. Stir together and simmer for another minute. Turn off the heat and using an immersion blender, an Indian mathani (a wooden tool used for mashing dal) or a wooden Mexican hot chocolate mixer, partially pureé the dal. It should be thick but not like a pureed soup.
  • Heat the oil over medium-high heat in a small saucepan or small frying pan (such as an 8-inch omelet pan). Add the cumin seeds and allow to sizzle, stirring, for 10 seconds. Add the garlic and cook until lightly colored, about 15 seconds. Add the red pepper and cook until slightly softened, about 1 minute. Remove from the heat and pour over the lentils. Add the cayenne pepper and 1 tablespoon of the cilantro and stir gently. Taste and adjust seasoning.
  • Serve the quinoa with the dal spooned on top. Garnish with chopped fresh cilantro.

Nutrition Facts : @context http, Calories 270, UnsaturatedFat 6 grams, Carbohydrate 41 grams, Fat 7 grams, Fiber 6 grams, Protein 12 grams, SaturatedFat 1 gram, Sodium 324 milligrams, Sugar 2 grams, TransFat 0 grams

SPICED BLUEBERRY QUINOA



Spiced Blueberry Quinoa image

I took up eating quinoa when I found out how much protein it has. This is really an easy dish to experiment with; my first version of the recipe was made with shredded apples instead of blueberries. It's just as delicious! -Shannon Copley, Upper Arlington, Ohio

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Breakfast

Time 40m

Yield 2 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 8

1/2 cup quinoa, rinsed and well drained
2 cups unsweetened almond milk
2 tablespoons honey
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup fresh or frozen blueberries, thawed
1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 tablespoons chopped almonds, toasted

Steps:

  • In a small saucepan, cook and stir quinoa over medium heat until lightly toasted, 5-7 minutes. Stir in almond milk, honey, cinnamon and salt; bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer, uncovered, until quinoa is tender and liquid is almost absorbed, 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally., Remove from heat; stir in blueberries and vanilla. Sprinkle with almonds.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 352 calories, Fat 10g fat (1g saturated fat), Cholesterol 0 cholesterol, Sodium 479mg sodium, Carbohydrate 59g carbohydrate (25g sugars, Fiber 7g fiber), Protein 9g protein.

SPICED CARROT AND ZUCCHINI QUINOA



Spiced Carrot and Zucchini Quinoa image

Provided by Evan Kleiman

Categories     Herb     Vegetable     Side     Sauté     Passover     Vegetarian     Kosher     Vegan     Bon Appétit     Sugar Conscious     Pescatarian     Dairy Free     Wheat/Gluten-Free     Peanut Free     Tree Nut Free     Soy Free     No Sugar Added

Yield Makes 8 servings

Number Of Ingredients 10

4 cups water
2 cups quinoa, rinsed well, drained
2 tablespoons dried currants
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
2 medium carrots, peeled, cut into small cubes
2 medium zucchini, trimmed, cut into small cubes
1 tablespoon Hungarian sweet paprika
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro

Steps:

  • Combine first 4 ingredients in heavy large saucepan. Bring to boil over medium-high heat. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer until water is absorbed and quinoa is tender, about 20 minutes.
  • Meanwhile, heat oil in heavy large skillet over medium heat. Add carrots; sauté until tender, about 5 minutes. Add zucchini; sauté until tender, about 3 minutes. Mix in paprika and cinnamon. Add quinoa to skillet; toss to blend. Season with salt and pepper. DO AHEAD Can be made 1 day ahead. Transfer to baking dish. Cover and chill. Rewarm, covered, in 350°F oven about 15 minutes. Mix in cilantro and serve.

MOROCCAN-SPICED LEMON DRESSING AND QUINOA-APRICOT -SPINACH SALAD



Moroccan-Spiced Lemon Dressing and Quinoa-Apricot -Spinach Salad image

This spicy salad with little jewels of dried apricot in the mix would be welcome at lunch or a simple weekday dinner. You can prepare the salad and dressing ahead of time. The dressing is inspired by the flavors of North Africa and is good drizzled on mixed green salads as well as grain salads. From From EatingWell magazine, Summer 2003, and The EatingWell Healthy in a Hurry Cookbook (2006). Posted for ZWT 6 - North Africa / Middle East Region.

Provided by kitty.rock

Categories     Salad Dressings

Time 35m

Yield 4 salads, 4 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 20

1/4 cup lemon juice
2 tablespoons nonfat plain yogurt
1 1/2 teaspoons honey
1/4 teaspoon ground cumin
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
1/4 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
fresh ground pepper, to taste
1 cup quinoa (see Ingredient note)
2 teaspoons extra-virgin olive oil
2 garlic cloves, minced
1/2 cup dried apricot, coarsely chopped
2 cups water
1/4 teaspoon salt
2/3 cup prepared salad dressing, divided (Moroccan-Spiced Lemon Dressing)
1 cup cherry tomatoes or 1 cup grape tomatoes, halved
1 small red onion, chopped
8 cups Baby Spinach
1/4 cup sliced almonds, toasted (see Tip)

Steps:

  • TO PREPARE THE DRESSING:.
  • Whisk lemon juice, yogurt, honey, cumin, cinnamon and ginger in a small bowl until blended.
  • Slowly whisk in oil so that the dressing becomes smooth and emulsified.
  • Season with salt and pepper.
  • TO PREPARE THE SALAD:.
  • Toast quinoa in a dry skillet over medium heat, stirring often, until it becomes aromatic and begins to crackle, about 5 minutes. Transfer to a fine sieve and rinse thoroughly.
  • Heat oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add garlic and cook, stirring constantly, until golden, about 1 minute. Add apricots and the quinoa; continue cooking, stirring often, until the quinoa has dried out and turned light golden, 3 to 4 minutes. Add water and salt; bring to a boil. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer, uncovered, until the quinoa is tender and the liquid is absorbed, 15 to 18 minutes.
  • Transfer the quinoa to a medium bowl and toss with 1/3 cup of the Moroccan-Spiced Lemon Dressing. Let cool for 10 minutes.
  • Just before serving, add tomatoes and onion to the quinoa; toss to coat. Toss spinach with the remaining 1/3 cup dressing in a large bowl. Divide the spinach among 4 plates. Mound the quinoa salad on the spinach and sprinkle with almonds.
  • SERVING SIZE = 2 cups spinach with approximately 1 cup quinoa mixture.
  • MAKE AHEAD TIP: Prepare through Step 3. Cover and refrigerate the quinoa and dressing separately for up to 2 days.
  • INGREDIENT NOTE: Quinoa is available in most natural-foods stores and the natural-foods sections of many supermarkets. Toasting this grain before simmering enhances its flavor.
  • TO TOAST NUTS: Heat a small dry skillet over medium-low heat. Add nuts and cook, stirring, until lightly browned and fragrant, 2 to 3 minutes. Transfer to a bowl to cool.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 484.7, Fat 25.6, SaturatedFat 4, Cholesterol 24.4, Sodium 672.6, Carbohydrate 57.1, Fiber 6.6, Sugar 17.9, Protein 12

SPICED AND HERBED QUINOA W GREEN ONIONS



SPICED AND HERBED QUINOA W GREEN ONIONS image

Categories     Marinate     No-Cook     Picnic     Vegetarian     High Fiber     Low/No Sugar     Healthy     Kosher     Raw

Yield 4 people

Number Of Ingredients 10

1 c quinoa
2 c vegetable stock or water
1/2 c english cucumber, diiced
1/2 c tomato diced
2 T red onion, diced
2 green onions,thinly sliced\
2 T chopped cilentro
1 t chopped jalapeno
3 T evoo
1 T fresh lemon juice

Steps:

  • Cook the quinoa according to package directions using water or stock. Alow to cool Combine all ingredients in a large bowl and toss well.

MOROCCAN-SPICED QUINOA WITH ROASTED BROCCOLI AND CHICKPEAS



MOROCCAN-SPICED QUINOA WITH ROASTED BROCCOLI AND CHICKPEAS image

Categories     Vegetable

Number Of Ingredients 16

1 c. dry quinoa
2 T. olive oil
3 c. broccoli, chopped into small pieces
1 can chickpeas, rinsed, drained, and patted dry
1/2 t. sea salt
fresh black pepper
1 T. coconut oil
1/2 c. yellow onion, chopped fine
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 1/2 t. coriander
3/4 t. cumin
1/4 t. turmeric
1/4 t. paprika
1/8 t. cinnamon
fresh cilantro
lemon wedges

Steps:

  • Cook the quinoa according to package directions. Preheat the oven to 425 degrees. Toss the broccoli and chickpeas with the olive oil, 1/2 teaspoon of sea salt, and a few grinds of black pepper. Spread out the mixture evenly onto a parchment paper-lined baking sheet. Bake the mix for 20-25 minutes, until the broccoli is lightly charred (not burnt). Meanwhile, heat the coconut oil in a pan. Add in the onion and cook for about five minutes. Add in the garlic and spices and cook for about one minute. Add in the cooked quinoa and toss the mix until the quinoa is coated with the spices (you may need to add a bit of water or more oil to prevent sticking). Lightly stir in the roasted vegetables (or just pile them on top). Top with a squirt of lemon juice and a bit of fresh cilantro and serve!

Tips:

  • Rinse the quinoa thoroughly before cooking. This will remove any bitter saponins that may be present on the quinoa.
  • Use a ratio of 1 part quinoa to 2 parts water or broth. This will ensure that the quinoa cooks evenly and doesn't become mushy.
  • Bring the quinoa and liquid to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until all of the liquid has been absorbed.
  • Fluff the quinoa with a fork before serving. This will help to separate the grains and make them light and fluffy.
  • Spiced quinoa can be served as a side dish, or used as a base for salads, bowls, and other dishes.
  • To add even more flavor to your spiced quinoa, try adding other spices, such as cumin, coriander, or paprika.
  • If you want a vegan dish, use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
  • Store leftover spiced quinoa in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Conclusion:

Spiced quinoa is a delicious and versatile dish that can be enjoyed in many different ways. It's easy to make and can be tailored to your own taste preferences. Whether you're looking for a healthy side dish or a flavorful base for a main course, spiced quinoa is a great option.

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