Description
This One Pot Moroccan Quinoa is a flavorful, hearty, and vegan-friendly dish combining quinoa, chickpeas, and aromatic Moroccan spices. Perfect for a wholesome main course, it is easy to prepare in a single pot on the stovetop, making it an ideal meal for busy weeknights or meal prep. The dish features a delicious blend of cumin, coriander, cinnamon, paprika, and turmeric, with the sweetness of raisins or dried apricots adding a beautiful contrast, all garnished with fresh herbs and served with lemon wedges for an extra zing.
Ingredients
Scale
Base Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Spices
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon turmeric
Main Ingredients
- 1 cup quinoa, rinsed
- 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 1/2 cup chopped carrots
- 1/2 cup chopped red bell pepper
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 1/3 cup raisins or chopped dried apricots
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Garnish
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley or cilantro
- Optional: lemon wedges for serving
Instructions
- Heat the Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large skillet or pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook for 3 to 4 minutes until soft and translucent, allowing the flavors to develop.
- Add Spices and Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic, ground cumin, coriander, cinnamon, smoked paprika, and turmeric. Cook for about 30 seconds, stirring constantly until the mixture becomes fragrant, ensuring the spices are toasted but not burnt.
- Combine Main Ingredients: Add the rinsed quinoa, drained chickpeas, chopped carrots, chopped red bell pepper, vegetable broth, and raisins or dried apricots to the pot. Stir well to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Simmer: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot with a lid and let it simmer gently for 18 to 20 minutes, or until the quinoa is fluffy and the liquid has been fully absorbed.
- Rest: Remove the pot from heat but keep it covered. Let it sit for 5 minutes to allow the quinoa to finish steaming and set the flavors.
- Finish and Serve: Fluff the quinoa mixture with a fork. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir in the chopped parsley or cilantro for freshness. Serve warm with optional lemon wedges to brighten the dish.
Notes
- You can add chopped spinach or kale at the end for an extra boost of greens and nutrients.
- This dish is excellent for meal prep as it holds well when stored and can be enjoyed warm or cold.
- To vary flavor, try swapping raisins with dried apricots or dates.
- Adjust spice levels by adding a pinch of cayenne pepper if you prefer heat.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Moroccan-Inspired
