I tried cooking quinoa rice for the first time last weekend! According to the “honest” feedback given from my husband and two kids, I assumed I nailed it in the first try (she in fact did not nailed it in the first try and took her a 2nd time to get it right). Regardless, I wanted to share this recipe since it’s easy, healthy and delicious – all in a pot! Yes, you heard it right!
This recipe combines the comforting texture of rice with the added protein and fiber of quinoa, along with a medley of colorful vegetables. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or meal prep for the week, this dish is as easy to make as it is satisfying. So prep up and let’s get cooking!
Ingredients
For this healthy and flavorful dish, you will need:
- 1 cup quinoa, rinsed
- 1 cup brown rice, rinsed
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 1 zucchini, diced
- 1 cup carrots, diced
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Psst! Feel free to add or change the ingredients to fit in your favorite vegetables!
Steps
Prepare the Ingredients:
- Start by rinsing the quinoa and brown rice under cold water. This helps remove any bitterness from the quinoa and ensures your grains are clean.
Sauté the Vegetables:
- In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, and sauté until fragrant and translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add the diced bell pepper, zucchini, and carrots. Cook for another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables begin to soften.
Combine and Cook:
- Add the rinsed quinoa and brown rice to the pot, stirring to combine with the vegetables.
- Pour in the vegetable broth and add the cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir well to ensure everything is evenly mixed.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let it simmer for about 30-35 minutes, or until the quinoa and rice are cooked through and have absorbed the liquid.
Add the Peas:
- About 5 minutes before the cooking time is up, add the frozen peas to the pot. Stir them in and let them cook through with the remaining heat.
Serve and Garnish:
- Once everything is cooked, fluff the quinoa rice mixture with a fork. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed.
- Serve the vegetable quinoa rice in bowls, garnished with fresh parsley for a burst of color and flavor.
Tips for a Perfect Dish
- Batch Cooking: This recipe is perfect for meal prep. Make a big batch and store individual portions in airtight containers for easy, healthy meals throughout the week.
- Customize Your Spices: Don’t be afraid to experiment with different spices and herbs to suit your taste preferences.
Bon Appetit!
This One-Pot Vegetable Quinoa Rice is a testament to how simple ingredients can come together to create something truly delicious and nutritious. It’s also a unique dish for those of you who wants to try something new! With its vibrant vegetables and wholesome grains, this dish is a perfect example of healthy eating without compromising on flavor. Give it a try and let me know how you enjoy it in the comments below!
Happy cooking!
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