Luminous Quinoa & Asparagus Medley
Discover the vibrant flavors of our Luminous Quinoa & Asparagus Medley, a dish that nourishes the body and awakens the senses. Packed with protein-rich quinoa and tender asparagus, this recipe is perfectly seasoned with the warmth of spices and the essence of fresh herbs. Each bite delivers a delightful crunch from the asparagus and a burst of garlicy goodness. It's more than just a meal; it’s a celebration of health, harmonizing taste and nutrition in every forkful. Serve it up for family dinners or as a wholesome lunch, and watch everyone feel uplifted and supercharged with energy!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
13
Ingredients
Ingredients
quinoa
1.5 cups (rinsed)
vegetable broth or water
3 cups
garlic cloves
6 (diced)
onion
1 (diced)
olive oil
0.5 tablespoon
red pepper
1 (diced)
asparagus
1 bunch (trimmed)
paprika
to taste
turmeric
to taste
dried basil
to taste
red pepper flakes
to taste
salt
to taste
spinach (optional)
to taste (wilted)
Instructions
1
In a small deep pan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add 3 diced garlic cloves and diced onion. Sauté until fragrant and the onion becomes translucent.
2
Stir in the diced red bell pepper and a pinch of red pepper flakes, sautéing for another minute until softened.
3
Add the quinoa to the pan and stir to combine, allowing it to toast slightly for about a minute.
4
Pour in the vegetable broth (or water) and stir. Season generously with paprika and turmeric to taste, along with a pinch of dried basil and salt.
5
Cover the pan and reduce the heat to low, letting the quinoa simmer for approximately 25 minutes or until all the liquid is absorbed.
6
Meanwhile, rinse the asparagus and snap off the woody ends where they naturally break.
7
In a separate frying pan, heat a splash of olive oil over medium heat. Sauté the asparagus until bright green and tender-crisp, about 4-5 minutes.
8
In the last minute of cooking the asparagus, add the remaining diced garlic, allowing it to soften but remain mostly raw for a fresh flavor. If you’re using spinach, toss it in during this last minute to wilt it slightly.
9
To serve, layer the sautéed asparagus over a generous bed of quinoa. Enjoy this invigorating dish warm!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Luminous Quinoa & Asparagus Medley?
It is a vibrant, protein-rich dish featuring quinoa and tender asparagus, seasoned with garlic, turmeric, and paprika for a healthy and energizing meal.
Is this recipe vegan-friendly?
Yes, this recipe is entirely plant-based and is tagged as vegan.
Is the Luminous Quinoa & Asparagus Medley gluten-free?
Yes, quinoa is a naturally gluten-free grain, making this dish suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
How many garlic cloves are needed for this recipe?
The recipe requires a total of 6 garlic cloves, all of which should be diced.
What is the liquid-to-quinoa ratio for this dish?
The ratio is 1.5 cups of rinsed quinoa to 3 cups of vegetable broth or water.
How long does the quinoa take to cook?
Once the liquid is added and the heat is reduced to low, the quinoa should simmer for approximately 25 minutes.
How do I prepare the asparagus for this medley?
Rinse the asparagus and snap off the woody ends where they naturally break, then sauté them until bright green and tender-crisp.
What spices are used to season the quinoa?
The quinoa is seasoned with paprika, turmeric, dried basil, red pepper flakes, and salt to taste.
Can I add spinach to this recipe?
Yes, spinach is an optional ingredient that can be tossed in during the last minute of sautéing the asparagus so it wilts slightly.
Do I need to toast the quinoa?
Yes, the instructions recommend stirring the quinoa into the sautéed vegetables and letting it toast slightly for about a minute before adding liquid.
When do I add the red pepper?
The diced red bell pepper should be added after the onion and garlic have become fragrant, sautéing for about a minute until softened.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 13 ingredients in total, including optional spinach.
Should the garlic be added all at once?
No, 3 cloves are sautéed with the onion at the beginning, and the remaining garlic is added to the asparagus in the last minute of cooking for a fresh flavor.
What type of pan should I use for the quinoa?
A small deep pan is recommended for cooking the quinoa base.
What is the recommended cooking temperature for sautéing the vegetables?
The instructions suggest using medium heat for sautéing the garlic, onions, peppers, and asparagus.
Can I use water instead of vegetable broth?
Yes, you can use 3 cups of either vegetable broth or water to cook the quinoa.
Is this dish considered a comfort food?
Yes, it is tagged as both a comfort food and a healthy, energized meal.
How do I know the quinoa is done?
The quinoa is finished when all the liquid has been absorbed, usually after about 25 minutes of simmering.
What texture should the asparagus have?
The asparagus should be sautéed until it is bright green and 'tender-crisp,' which takes about 4-5 minutes.
Does this recipe include any spicy ingredients?
It includes red pepper flakes and is tagged as a 'spiced dish,' though the heat level can be adjusted to your taste.
How do I serve the Luminous Quinoa & Asparagus Medley?
Layer the sautéed asparagus over a generous bed of the prepared quinoa and serve the dish warm.
Should I wash the quinoa before cooking?
Yes, the ingredient list specifies that the 1.5 cups of quinoa should be rinsed.
Can this be eaten as a lunch?
Absolutely, it is described as a wholesome lunch option as well as a great family dinner.
What is the role of turmeric in this recipe?
Turmeric is added to taste to provide warmth and nutritional benefits, as well as a vibrant color to the quinoa.
What type of oil is best for this recipe?
The recipe calls for olive oil to sauté both the base vegetables and the asparagus.
Is the onion diced or sliced?
The recipe specifies using 1 diced onion.
Can I use dried herbs?
Yes, the recipe specifically includes dried basil as one of the primary seasonings.
How long does it take to sauté the red pepper?
It should be sautéed for about one minute until it begins to soften.
Is this a one-dish meal?
Yes, it is tagged as a 'one dish meal' because it provides a complete balance of protein, grains, and vegetables.
What provides the crunch in this dish?
The tender-crisp sautéed asparagus provides a delightful crunch in every bite.