Quinoa bowls are a popular trend in the food world and for good reason. They're easy to make, customizable, and packed with nutrients. This Mediterranean quinoa bowl is no exception.
Mediterranean Quinoa Bowl
It's full of fresh veggies, flavorful herbs, and protein-packed quinoa. Here's how to make a Mediterranean quinoa bowl:
Ingredients:
- 1 cup uncooked quinoa
- 2 cups water
- 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 small cucumber, diced
- 1/2 red onion, diced
- 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh mint, chopped
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Rinse the quinoa in a fine mesh strainer and place it in a medium-sized pot with 2 cups of water.
2. Bring the water to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and cover the pot with a lid. Cook for 15-20 minutes or until the water is absorbed and the quinoa is tender.
3. While the quinoa is cooking, prepare the vegetables. Dice the red bell pepper, cucumber, and red onion and chop the Kalamata olives, parsley, and mint.
4. In a small bowl, whisk together the lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper to make the dressing.
5. Once the quinoa is cooked, fluff it with a fork and divide it among four bowls.
6. Top each bowl with chickpeas, red bell pepper, cucumber, red onion, Kalamata olives, parsley, and mint.
7. Drizzle the dressing over the top of each bowl and serve immediately.
Precautions:
- If you have a gluten intolerance, make sure to purchase certified gluten-free quinoa.
- Make sure to rinse the quinoa thoroughly before cooking to remove any bitter residue.
FAQ:
Q: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can prepare the quinoa and chop the vegetables ahead of time and store them separately in the refrigerator. When you're ready to serve, simply assemble the bowls and add the dressing.
Q: Can I add other vegetables or proteins to this recipe?
A: Yes, you can add other vegetables such as cherry tomatoes, roasted sweet potatoes, or grilled eggplant to this recipe if you like. You can also add protein such as grilled chicken or tofu.
Q: Can I use a different type of grain instead of quinoa?
A: Yes, you can use a different type of grain such as brown rice, farro, or barley if you prefer.
Q: Can I make this recipe vegan?
A: Yes, you can make this recipe vegan by omitting the dressing or using a vegan-friendly dressing.
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