Mediterranean Quinoa Bowls with Spiced Turmeric Cauliflower
This vibrant Mediterranean Quinoa Bowl features roasted golden turmeric cauliflower paired with fluffy quinoa, vibrant red onion, and creamy avocado, creating a wholesome and satisfying meal perfect for lunch or dinner. Enhanced with fresh mint and a kick of spices, this dish is not only visually appealing but also packed with flavor and nutrients. Ideal for those focusing on a low-cholesterol diet, it's a delightful way to enjoy plant-based ingredients while nourishing your body.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
Cauliflower
1 small head (trimmed and cut into bite-size florets (about 5 cups or 1 lb/450 g))
Becel with avocado oil margarine
4 tablespoons (melted and divided)
Red onion
1 small (chopped)
Uncooked quinoa
1 cup (rinsed)
Fresh mint
2 tablespoons (chopped)
Turmeric
1/2 teaspoon
Ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon
Avocado
1 large (peeled and sliced)
Crushed red pepper flakes
1/4 teaspoon (optional)
Instructions
1
1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). In a large mixing bowl, toss the cauliflower florets with 4 tablespoons of Becel with avocado oil margarine until well coated. Spread the cauliflower evenly on two-thirds of a rimmed baking sheet.
2
2. In the same mixing bowl, combine the chopped red onion with 2 teaspoons of margarine. Spread the onion on the remaining third of the baking sheet. Roast everything in the preheated oven for about 25 minutes, or until the cauliflower is golden brown, crispy around the edges, and the onion is tender.
3
3. While the vegetables are roasting, rinse the quinoa under cold water. Cook the quinoa according to package directions, typically by combining 1 cup of quinoa with 2 cups of water, bringing to a boil, then reducing to a simmer and covering until water is absorbed (about 15-20 minutes). Fluff the cooked quinoa with a fork and stir in the chopped fresh mint.
4
4. In a small bowl, mix the remaining melted margarine with turmeric, ground cumin, and crushed red pepper flakes (if using). Pour this spice mixture over the cooked quinoa and stir gently to combine.
5
5. To assemble the bowls, place an equal portion of the seasoned quinoa in each of the 4 bowls. Top each bowl with a generous serving of the roasted turmeric cauliflower, tender red onion, and sliced avocado. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary dish featured in this recipe?
The dish is Mediterranean Quinoa Bowls with Spiced Turmeric Cauliflower.
Is this recipe suitable for vegans?
Yes, this recipe is plant-based and uses avocado oil margarine, making it vegan-friendly.
Is the Mediterranean Quinoa Bowl gluten-free?
Yes, quinoa and the other vegetable-based ingredients are naturally gluten-free.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe yields 4 individual bowls.
What temperature should the oven be set to for roasting?
The oven should be preheated to 425°F (220°C).
How long do the cauliflower and onions need to roast?
The vegetables should roast for approximately 25 minutes until the cauliflower is golden and the onion is tender.
What is the ratio of quinoa to water for cooking?
The ratio is 1 cup of uncooked quinoa to 2 cups of water.
How much cauliflower is needed for this recipe?
You will need 1 small head of cauliflower, which is about 5 cups or 1 lb (450 g) of florets.
What kind of fat is used for roasting the vegetables?
The recipe uses Becel with avocado oil margarine.
Should the quinoa be rinsed before cooking?
Yes, it is recommended to rinse the quinoa under cold water before boiling.
What spices are included in the quinoa seasoning mixture?
The mixture includes turmeric, ground cumin, and optional crushed red pepper flakes.
How much turmeric is required?
The recipe calls for 1/2 teaspoon of turmeric.
Does this recipe include fresh herbs?
Yes, 2 tablespoons of chopped fresh mint are stirred into the cooked quinoa.
When should the avocado be added to the dish?
The sliced avocado should be added as a final topping during the assembly of the bowls.
Is this meal appropriate for a low-cholesterol diet?
Yes, the recipe description states it is ideal for those focusing on a low-cholesterol diet.
How much ground cumin is used?
1/2 teaspoon of ground cumin is used in the spice mixture.
What type of onion is used in the roast?
The recipe uses 1 small red onion, chopped.
Can I omit the red pepper flakes?
Yes, the crushed red pepper flakes are listed as optional.
How should the cauliflower be prepared before roasting?
It should be trimmed and cut into bite-size florets.
How is the spice mixture prepared?
Mix melted margarine with turmeric, cumin, and red pepper flakes in a small bowl.
What is the cooking time for the quinoa?
Quinoa typically simmers for 15-20 minutes until the water is absorbed.
How much avocado oil margarine is used in total?
The recipe uses 4 tablespoons of margarine, which is divided between the vegetables and the quinoa spice mixture.
Is the onion roasted separately from the cauliflower?
They are roasted on the same baking sheet, with the cauliflower on two-thirds and the onion on the remaining third.
What size avocado is recommended?
The recipe suggests using 1 large avocado, peeled and sliced.
What gives the cauliflower its golden color?
The combination of turmeric and roasting gives the cauliflower its golden turmeric hue.
How should the cooked quinoa be handled before adding spices?
The cooked quinoa should be fluffed with a fork and mixed with fresh mint.
What texture should the roasted cauliflower have?
It should be golden brown and crispy around the edges.
Is this a warm or cold dish?
The instructions recommend serving the bowls immediately while the roasted vegetables are fresh.
How much crushed red pepper flakes should be added for heat?
The recipe suggests 1/4 teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes if you choose to use them.
Does the recipe require any dairy products?
No, it uses plant-based margarine and no cheese or yogurt, making it dairy-free.