Spanish Quinoa Recipe
Introduction
Spanish Quinoa is a vibrant and flavorful dish that brings together the nutty taste of quinoa with deliciously seasoned salsa and sautéed onions. This easy one-pot recipe is perfect for a healthy weeknight meal or a satisfying side dish.
Ingredients
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
- 1/4 cup chopped white onion
- 1 cup quinoa
- 1/2 cup chunky salsa
- 2 cups vegetable broth
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat the olive oil in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until tender and golden brown, about 5 minutes.
- Step 2: Stir in the quinoa, chunky salsa, and vegetable broth. Bring the mixture to a boil, then cover and reduce the heat to low. Let it simmer for 20 minutes.
- Step 3: Remove the saucepan from heat, fluff the quinoa with a fork, and let it sit covered for 5 minutes before serving.
Tips & Variations
- For extra flavor, add a pinch of smoked paprika or cumin when sautéing the onions.
- Use homemade salsa or your favorite store-bought variety to customize the heat level.
- Add cooked black beans or corn for a heartier dish.
Storage
Store leftover Spanish Quinoa in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of water or broth to keep it moist.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use water instead of vegetable broth?
Yes, water can be used, but vegetable broth adds more flavor to the dish. If using water, consider adding extra seasonings to enhance the taste.
Is it necessary to rinse quinoa before cooking?
Rinsing quinoa helps remove its natural bitter coating called saponin. For the best flavor, rinse quinoa thoroughly under cold water before cooking.
PrintSpanish Quinoa Recipe
A flavorful and healthy Spanish Quinoa recipe featuring sautéed onions, zesty salsa, and nutrient-rich quinoa cooked in vegetable broth. Perfect as a wholesome side dish or a light vegetarian main course.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Spanish
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
- 1/4 cup chopped white onion
- 1 cup quinoa
- 1/2 cup chunky salsa
- 2 cups vegetable broth
Instructions
- Heat the oil: In a small saucepan, warm 1 teaspoon of olive oil over medium heat until shimmering.
- Sauté the onion: Add 1/4 cup of chopped white onion to the pan and cook, stirring occasionally, until the onion is tender and golden brown, about 5 minutes.
- Add quinoa, salsa, and broth: Stir in 1 cup of quinoa, 1/2 cup of chunky salsa, and 2 cups of vegetable broth, mixing well to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Cook the quinoa: Bring the mixture to a boil, then cover the saucepan and reduce the heat to low to maintain a simmer. Let it cook for 20 minutes until the quinoa has absorbed the liquid and is tender.
- Rest and fluff: Remove the saucepan from heat and let the quinoa rest, covered, for 5 minutes. Then, fluff with a fork to separate the grains before serving.
Notes
- Rinse quinoa under cold water before cooking to reduce its natural bitterness.
- Use your favorite salsa for a mild or spicy flavor profile.
- For added protein, consider topping with beans or grilled vegetables.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- This dish is naturally gluten-free and vegetarian.
Keywords: Spanish quinoa, quinoa recipe, vegetarian quinoa, gluten free side dish, healthy quinoa
