Best Spiced Quinoa Recipes

SPICED QUINOA

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.

SPICED YELLOW LENTILS WITH QUINOA

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.

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

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.

SPICED BLUEBERRY QUINOA

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.

OVEN-ROASTED QUINOA WITH SPICED APPLES, CARROTS AND RED ONIONS

Steps:

• 1. Preheat the oven to 425°. In a small bowl, stir together cardamom, coriander, pepper and ¾ teaspoon salt. In a 9--by-13-inch baking dish, add the carrots, apple, red onion and olive oil. Add the spice mixture and stir to combine. 2. In an 8- or 9-inch baking dish, add the rinsed quinoa and spread into an even layer. Place the quinoa and vegetables in the oven. Toast the quinoa until fragrant and golden, about 8 minutes, then pour 2 cups water over the quinoa and loosely cover the pan with a sheet of aluminum foil. Cook the quinoa until it uncoils and looks fluffy, 15 to 20 minutes. Remove the quinoa from the oven, fluff with a fork, re-cover with foil and set aside. 3. Meanwhile, continue to roast the vegetables, stirring occasionally, until the onions start to blacken around the edges and the carrots are tender, about 30 minutes total. 4. Transfer the quinoa to a serving dish. Stir in the remaining ¼ teaspoon salt, the lemon zest and lemon juice, then the parsley. Serve alongside the roasted vegetables.

SPICED QUINOA WITH ZUCCHINI

Steps:

• Cook 3/4 cup rinsed tricolor quinoa as the label directs, adding 1/4 teaspoon allspice to the water. Meanwhile, toss 2 sliced zucchini with 2 tablespoons olive oil and 1 grated garlic clove; season with salt and pepper. Bake at 450 degrees F until tender, about 10 minutes. Stir into the quinoa along with 1/2 cup golden raisins and 2 tablespoons each olive oil, chopped cilantro and dill. Season with salt.

SPICED CARROT AND ZUCCHINI QUINOA

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.

SPICED LAMB WITH LEMON & HERB QUINOA

Steps:

• In a pestle with a mortar crush the cumin seeds then add the garlic clove, chilli and some salt and pepper. Mash to a paste. Stir in the lemon juice and olive oil and pour half the mix over the lamb chops and leave to marinate. Set the other half aside.
• Rinse the quinoa in cold water then place in a saucepan with twice the volume of water. Place on the heat and bring to the boil then turn down the heat slightly and boil gently for 10 mins. Turn the heat off and stir through the reserved dressing. Cover and leave for another 10 mins.
• Meanwhile heat a griddle pan or grill to high and cook the lamb for about 3-5 mins on each side or until cooked to your liking. When ready to serve stir the spring onions and coriander through the quinoa and serve with the lamb and steamed stem broccoli dressed in a drizzle more oil.

CAJUN SPICED CHICKEN WITH QUINOA

Steps:

• Melt the coconut oil in a wok or large frying pan over a medium-high heat. Add the peppers and stir-fry for 2-3 mins or until they start to soften.
• Increase the heat to high and add the chicken along with the Cajun seasoning. Fry for 3-4 mins more or until the chicken is cooked. (Check by slicing into one of the larger pieces to make sure the meat is white all the way through, with no raw pink bits.)
• Microwave your quinoa following pack instructions. Stir the remaining ingredients through the quinoa, then pile onto a plate and top with the chicken and pepper mix.

INDIAN-SPICED QUINOA WITH RAISINS AND PINE NUTS

Steps:

• Rinse the quinoa well to remove the bitter white coating. Drain thoroughly and set aside.
• Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the shallots and ginger and cook, stirring, until the shallots are slightly softened, about 1 minute. Add the quinoa along with the cardamom, coriander, cumin, and cayenne and stir to coat with the oil. Stir in the hot stock and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to low and season with salt and pepper to taste. Cover the cook until all the water is absorbed, about 10 minutes.
• Remove from the heat and stir in the raisins, pine nuts, and parsley. Serve hot.

SPICED QUINOA AND CHICKPEA BITES

Steps:

• Cook chickpeas, olive oil, garlic, salt, cumin, cayenne (if using), and cinnamon in a medium skillet over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally, until garlic has softened and spices are fragrant, 3-4 minutes. Let cool slightly, then transfer to a food processor. Add egg and almond butter and pulse until a smooth paste forms. Transfer to a medium bowl and stir in quinoa.
• Scoop out 1 heaping Tbsp. chickpea mixture and use wet hands to roll into a ping pong-size ball. Flatten slightly between your palms, then transfer to a parchment-lined rimmed baking sheet. Repeat with remaining chickpea mixture (you should have about 16 patties).
• Pour vegetable oil into a medium cast-iron skillet or Dutch oven to a depth of 1/2". Heat over medium-high until shimmering. Working in batches if needed, fry patties, turning often with a slotted spoon, until golden brown, 4-5 minutes. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain and let cool slightly.
• Do Ahead: Chickpea mixture can be formed into patties 1 day ahead. Cover with plastic and chill, or freeze on baking sheet until solid, at least 2 hours, then transfer to a resealable plastic bag and freeze up to 3 months. Fry directly from frozen, adding about 1 minute to cook time.

SPICED QUINOA TIMBALES

Steps:

• In a fine sieve rinsed the quinoa under cold water for 1 minute and drain it well. In a heavy saucepan cook the onion in the oil over moderately low heat, stirring, until it is softened, add the cumin, the cinnamon, and the turmeric, and cook the mixture, stirring, for 30 seconds. Add the quinoa and cook the mixture, stirring, for 1 minute. Add the broth, the water, the currants, the tomatoes, and the salt and simmer the mixture, covered, for 15 minutes, or until the liquid is absorbed. Remove the pan from the heat, let the mixture stand, covered, for 5 minutes, and stir in the parsley. Divide the quinoa mixture among 6 buttered 1/2-cup timbale molds, packing it, and invert the timbales onto a platter.

BEETS, SPICED QUINOA AND YOGURT

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Oil a 2-quart baking dish or gratin. In a medium saucepan or a large, heavy skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of the olive oil, and add the spices. When they begin to sizzle, add the cooked quinoa. Stir together for one minute, and remove from the heat. Taste and adjust salt. Transfer to the baking dish, and spread in an even layer.
• Arrange the sliced beets over the quinoa. Drizzle on the remaining olive oil, cover and place in the oven for 20 minutes or until hot. Meanwhile, place the garlic in a mortar and pestle with a generous pinch of salt, and mash to a paste. Whisk or stir into the drained yogurt.
• Remove the quinoa and beets from the oven, and top with dollops of yogurt. Sprinkle with the walnuts, and serve.

SPICED QUINOA PORRIDGE

Steps:

• Bring water to a boil in a saucepan. Add quinoa, raisins, golden raisins, and rum; reduce heat and simmer, covered, until water is absorbed, about 10 minutes. Remove from heat and keep covered, about 5 minutes.
• Fluff quinoa mixture with a fork and stir in cinnamon. Ladle into 6 serving bowls; top each with 1 tablespoon maple syrup.

SPICED QUINOA WITH ALMONDS & FETA

Steps:

• Heat the oil in a large pan. Add the spices, then fry for a min or so until fragrant. Add the quinoa, then fry for a further min until you can hear gentle popping sounds. Stir in 600ml boiling water, then gently simmer for 10-15 mins until the water has evaporated and the quinoa grains have a white 'halo' around them. Allow to cool slightly, then stir through the other ingredients. Serve warm or cold.

SPICED AND HERBED QUINOA W GREEN ONIONS

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

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!

CUMIN SPICED QUINOA WITH VEGETABLES

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 400°F. Place Reynolds® Oven Bag in 13x9x2-inch pan.
• Add flour, cumin, garlic powder, salt and pepper to oven bag; gently squeeze bag to blend ingredients. Add quinoa and vegetables; turn bag several times to mix ingredients. Arrange ingredients in even layer in bag. Fold down bag opening two times to hold bag open; set aside.
• Microwave vegetable stock in a medium microwave-safe bowl for about 4 minutes on high power until stock is very hot. Carefully pour or ladle stock over vegetables. Carefully unfold bag opening.
• Close bag with nylon tie. Cut six 1/2-inch slits in top of bag near tie. Tuck ends of bag in pan.
• Bake 20 to 25 minutes or until vegetables are tender and quinoa is soft and translucent. Let stand 5 minutes. Carefully cut top of bag open; stir. Top with fresh herbs and pine nuts, if desired. Season with additional salt and pepper, if desired.

INDIAN-SPICED QUINOA WITH GOLDEN RAISINS AND PINE NUTS

Steps:

• Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the shallots and ginger and cook, stirring, until the shallots are slightly softened, about 1 minute. Add the quinoa along with the cardamom, coriander, cumin and cayenne, and stir to coat with the oil.
• Stir in the hot broth and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to low and season to taste with salt and pepper. Cover and cook until all of the waster is absorbed, 12 to 15 minutes.
• Remove from the heat and stir in the raisins, pine nuts and parsley. Serve hot.
• Note: To toast pine nuts, place them in a dry skillet over medium heat, shaking or stirring constantly until evenly toasted and the nuts are lightly brown.

SPICED COD WITH QUINOA SALAD & MINT CHUTNEY

Steps:

• Tip the quinoa (if not pre-cooked) into a pan, cover with water and boil, covered, for 25 mins, checking the water level to make sure it doesn't boil dry. Drain well.
• Meanwhile, put 2 tbsp each of the mint and coriander in a bowl. Add the yogurt and garlic, and blitz with a hand blender until smooth. Stir 2 tbsp of the herby yogurt with the turmeric and cumin, then add the fish and turn in the mixture to completely coat.
• Turn the grill to High. Arrange the fish in a shallow heatproof dish and grill for 8-10 mins, depending on thickness, until it flakes. Toss the quinoa with the cucumber, onion, tomatoes, lemon juice and remaining herbs. Spoon onto a plate, add the fish and spoon round the mint chutney, or add it at the table.