Best 4 Hot And Zesty Quinoa Recipes

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# **Hot and Zesty Quinoa: A Flavorful and Nutritious Dish**

Quinoa, a versatile and nutritious grain, takes center stage in this tantalizing recipe, offering a delightful fusion of flavors and textures. The combination of aromatic spices, zesty citrus, and the natural nuttiness of quinoa creates a dish that is both satisfying and packed with goodness. This comprehensive guide not only provides a detailed recipe for Hot and Zesty Quinoa but also includes variations and additional recipes to cater to diverse preferences and dietary needs.

Whether you are a seasoned cook looking for a new culinary adventure or a beginner seeking a healthy and flavorful meal, this article has something for everyone. Embark on a culinary journey as we explore the vibrant world of Hot and Zesty Quinoa, unlocking its potential to become a staple in your kitchen.

**Variations and Additional Recipes:**

This versatile recipe lends itself to endless variations. For those who prefer a milder flavor profile, reduce the amount of chili powder or substitute it with paprika. Add a touch of sweetness by incorporating dried cranberries or raisins. If you're feeling adventurous, experiment with different types of nuts, such as chopped walnuts or almonds, for added crunch.

For those seeking a vegan or gluten-free option, this recipe can be easily adapted. Simply replace the chicken broth with vegetable broth and use certified gluten-free quinoa. To create a more substantial meal, add grilled vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or mushrooms.

In addition to the main recipe, this article offers two additional quinoa-based dishes that cater to specific dietary preferences and taste buds. The recipes include a refreshing Quinoa Salad with Feta and Mint, perfect for a light and summery meal, and a hearty Quinoa and Black Bean Chili, a protein-packed and flavorful dish that is sure to warm you up on a chilly day.

With its versatility, nutritional value, and endless possibilities, Hot and Zesty Quinoa is a dish that deserves a place in every kitchen. Explore the variations and additional recipes provided in this comprehensive guide to discover the full potential of this remarkable grain.

Check out the recipes below so you can choose the best recipe for yourself!

SPICY QUINOA WITH SWEET POTATOES



Spicy Quinoa with Sweet Potatoes image

Provided by Food Network Kitchen

Categories     side-dish

Time 45m

Yield 6 servings

Number Of Ingredients 13

1 3/4 cups quinoa
3 cups low-sodium chicken broth
Kosher salt
3 tablespoons vegetable oil
1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
1 tablespoon ancho chile powder
1 teaspoon ground coriander
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
1 small red jalapeno pepper, seeded and thinly sliced
2 small sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into 1/2-inch pieces
1/3 cup roughly chopped fresh cilantro
1 to 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice

Steps:

  • Put the quinoa in a bowl and cover with water; drain. Repeat twice; drain well. (This will help remove bitterness.) Transfer the quinoa to a medium saucepan over medium heat and stir constantly until the quinoa is dry, about 8 minutes. Add 1 1/2 cups chicken broth, 3/4 cup water and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Bring to a simmer, then cover the pan, leaving the lid slightly ajar to let steam escape; reduce the heat to medium low and cook until the quinoa is tender and the liquid is absorbed, about 15 minutes.
  • Meanwhile, heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the red onion and garlic and cook until slightly softened, about 4 minutes. Add the chile powder, coriander and cumin and cook, stirring, until the spices darken, about 1 minute. Add the remaining 1 1/2 cups chicken broth, the jalapeno, sweet potatoes and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Increase the heat to medium high and bring to a simmer. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the sweet potatoes are tender and the liquid is almost absorbed, about 15 minutes.
  • Add the sweet potato mixture to the quinoa, then add the cilantro and lime juice and toss; season with salt.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 291 calorie, Fat 10 grams, SaturatedFat 1 grams, Cholesterol 0 milligrams, Sodium 399 milligrams, Carbohydrate 42 grams, Fiber 5 grams, Protein 9 grams, Sugar 4.5 grams

ZESTY QUINOA SALAD



Zesty Quinoa Salad image

This bright and colorful salad is a great summertime recipe (or anytime you want to feel like it's summertime). Light and citrusy, it's a whole new way to enjoy quinoa. Lime juice and cilantro give a refreshing kick, while quinoa and black beans provide tasty vegan protein. If you're not vegan, add even more protein by adding chunks of chicken or turkey. Yum!

Provided by scrumdiddly

Categories     Salad     Grains     Quinoa Salad Recipes

Time 30m

Yield 6

Number Of Ingredients 12

1 cup quinoa
2 cups water
¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil
2 limes, juiced
2 teaspoons ground cumin
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon red pepper flakes, or more to taste
1 ½ cups halved cherry tomatoes
1 (15 ounce) can black beans, drained and rinsed
5 green onions, finely chopped
¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro
salt and ground black pepper to taste

Steps:

  • Bring quinoa and water to a boil in a saucepan. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer until quinoa is tender and water has been absorbed, 10 to 15 minutes. Set aside to cool.
  • Whisk olive oil, lime juice, cumin, 1 teaspoon salt, and red pepper flakes together in a bowl.
  • Combine quinoa, tomatoes, black beans, and green onions together in a bowl. Pour dressing over quinoa mixture; toss to coat. Stir in cilantro; season with salt and black pepper. Serve immediately or chill in refrigerator.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 269.6 calories, Carbohydrate 33.8 g, Fat 11.5 g, Fiber 8.4 g, Protein 8.9 g, SaturatedFat 1.4 g, Sodium 674.5 mg, Sugar 1.7 g

SPICY VEGETABLE & QUINOA ONE-POT



Spicy vegetable & quinoa one-pot image

This high fibre dish counts as 3 of your 5-a-day, with a creamy and spicy curried sauce

Provided by Good Food team

Categories     Dinner, Soup, Starter, Supper, Vegetable

Time 20m

Number Of Ingredients 5

1 onion , sliced
4 tbsp vegetarian korma or Madras curry paste
1l milk
750g frozen mixed vegetable
175g quinoa , rinsed

Steps:

  • Simmer the onion and the curry paste with a splash of water for 5 mins in a large saucepan, stirring from time to time. Heat the milk in a jug in the microwave.
  • Add the vegetables and quinoa, then stir in the milk. Bring to the boil, simmer gently for 10 mins until the quinoa is cooked. Check seasoning. Serve with warm naan bread.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 398 calories, Fat 12 grams fat, SaturatedFat 3 grams saturated fat, Carbohydrate 55 grams carbohydrates, Sugar 24 grams sugar, Fiber 7 grams fiber, Protein 22 grams protein, Sodium 0.96 milligram of sodium

QUINOA VEGGIE SALAD WITH ZESTY VINAIGRETTE



Quinoa Veggie Salad with Zesty Vinaigrette image

Quinoa with various veggies and a zesty (and easy) vinaigrette that makes a wonderful salad dressing for any salad. I used one English cucumber instead of 2 normal cucumbers because we prefer the taste. Cook the quinoa with the water as you would normal rice (works in a rice cooker as well).

Provided by Randy Finger

Categories     Side Dish     Sauces and Condiments Recipes     Salad Dressing Recipes     Vinaigrette Dressing Recipes

Time 1h30m

Yield 24

Number Of Ingredients 13

4 cups quinoa
4 cups water
¼ cup red wine vinegar
2 teaspoons salt
1 teaspoon ground black pepper
1 teaspoon lemon juice
4 teaspoons Dijon mustard
1 cup canola oil
2 cucumbers, peeled and chopped
1 green bell pepper, chopped
½ red onion, chopped
2 tomatoes, chopped
1 (15 ounce) can black olives, chopped

Steps:

  • Bring the quinoa and water to a boil in a saucepan. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer until the quinoa is tender and the water has been absorbed, about 15 to 20 minutes. Scrape the cooked quinoa into a large bowl and refrigerate until cold, about 1 hour.
  • Place the vinegar, salt, pepper, lemon juice, and mustard into a blender. Drizzle in the oil while blending at high speed until the dressing is thick.
  • Add the cucumbers, bell pepper, red onion, tomato, and olives to the bowl with the quinoa. Pour the dressing overtop and gently fold until evenly mixed.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 215 calories, Carbohydrate 21.2 g, Fat 13 g, Fiber 2.9 g, Protein 4.4 g, SaturatedFat 1.1 g, Sodium 370.9 mg, Sugar 0.8 g

Tips:

  • Use a variety of vegetables. This will add flavor, color, and nutrients to your quinoa dish. Some good choices include broccoli, carrots, bell peppers, and zucchini.
  • Cook the quinoa according to the package directions. Be sure to rinse the quinoa well before cooking to remove any saponins, which can give the quinoa a bitter taste.
  • Add the vegetables to the quinoa during the last few minutes of cooking. This will help them retain their crunch and flavor.
  • Season the quinoa to taste. Salt, pepper, and garlic powder are all good options. You can also add other spices, such as cumin, chili powder, or turmeric.
  • Serve the quinoa hot or cold. It's a great side dish, but it can also be used as a main course or in salads and bowls.

Conclusion:

Hot and zesty quinoa is a delicious and healthy dish that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. It's a good source of protein, fiber, and iron, and it's also low in calories and fat. With its zesty flavor and colorful appearance, hot and zesty quinoa is a surefire hit at any gathering. So next time you're looking for a quick and easy meal, give this recipe a try. You won't be disappointed!

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