Mediterranean Quinoa Fiesta
Experience a vibrant fusion of flavors with this Mediterranean Quinoa Fiesta, a delightful one-pot meal that marries the aromatic spices of homemade turkey chorizo with the nutritious goodness of quinoa and fresh vegetables. Inspired by the culinary brilliance of Chilean chef Maria Eugenia Terragno, this wholesome dish brings together the heartiness of beans, the sweetness of bell peppers, and the zest of fresh lemon, creating a satisfying and hearty meal. Perfect for a family gathering or meal prep, this recipe serves eight and is a great way to enjoy a nutritious twist on traditional paella, while keeping calories in check without sacrificing taste.
N/A
Servings
300
Calories
15
Ingredients
Ingredients
quinoa
2 cups (rinsed well)
olive oil
2 tablespoons (none)
chorizo sausage
1 lb (peeled)
garlic cloves
5 (coarsely chopped)
red bell peppers
2 (seeded and roughly chopped)
serrano pepper
1 (minced)
onion
1 (chopped)
salt
2 teaspoons (none)
black pepper
1/2 teaspoon (none)
frozen lima beans
1 cup (none)
cannellini beans
1 (15 ounce) can (drained)
tomatoes
2 (seeded and chopped)
chicken stock
4 cups (none)
parsley
2 tablespoons (chopped)
lemons
2 (cut into wedges)
Instructions
1
Start by rinsing the quinoa under cold water and soaking it in water for 15 minutes. Drain and set aside.
2
In a large saucepan, heat over medium-high heat and add the rinsed quinoa. Toast the quinoa, stirring frequently, for about 15 minutes until it is golden and aromatic. Transfer the toasted quinoa to a bowl and set aside.
3
Return the saucepan to medium heat and add the olive oil. Once hot, add the turkey chorizo, breaking it into pieces with a spoon. Cook for approximately 10 minutes, stirring occasionally until it is browned and cooked through.
4
Next, add the chopped garlic, red bell peppers, minced serrano pepper, chopped onion, salt, and black pepper. Sauté the mixture, stirring occasionally, for about 5 minutes or until the vegetables are softened and fragrant.
5
Stir in the toasted quinoa, frozen lima beans, cannellini beans, diced tomatoes, and chicken stock. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cook the paella uncovered for around 15 minutes, or until the liquid has reduced slightly.
6
Once the cooking time is complete, remove the saucepan from heat and cover it. Let it sit for 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
7
Finally, uncover the paella, gently fluff with a fork, and stir in the fresh chopped parsley. Serve hot with lemon wedges on the side for squeezing over the dish.
Nutrition Information
6g
Fat
50g
Carbs
13g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Mediterranean Quinoa Fiesta?
It is a vibrant one-pot meal that combines the aromatic spices of turkey chorizo with quinoa, fresh vegetables, and beans.
Who is the culinary inspiration behind this recipe?
This recipe is inspired by the culinary brilliance of Chilean chef Maria Eugenia Terragno.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe is designed to serve eight people.
What are the calories per serving for this dish?
Each serving contains approximately 300 calories.
How much protein is in a single serving?
Each serving provides 13 grams of protein.
What is the total fat content per serving?
The dish contains 6 grams of fat per serving.
How many carbohydrates are in one serving?
There are 50 grams of carbohydrates in each serving.
How should the quinoa be prepared before cooking?
The quinoa should be rinsed under cold water and soaked for 15 minutes before being drained.
How long should I toast the quinoa?
The quinoa should be toasted for about 15 minutes over medium-high heat until golden and aromatic.
What type of chorizo is used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for 1 lb of turkey chorizo sausage, peeled.
How many garlic cloves are needed for the dish?
You will need 5 garlic cloves, coarsely chopped.
What kind of peppers are included?
The recipe uses 2 red bell peppers and 1 minced serrano pepper.
What types of beans are added to the fiesta?
The recipe includes 1 cup of frozen lima beans and one 15-ounce can of cannellini beans.
What is the cooking liquid for this dish?
The recipe uses 4 cups of chicken stock as the cooking liquid.
How long does the turkey chorizo take to cook?
The turkey chorizo should be cooked for approximately 10 minutes until browned.
How long do the vegetables need to sauté?
The vegetables should be sautéed for about 5 minutes until softened and fragrant.
How long should the paella simmer?
It should be cooked uncovered for around 15 minutes until the liquid has reduced slightly.
Why should the dish sit after cooking?
Letting the dish sit covered for 10 minutes allows the flavors to meld together properly.
What is the final step before serving?
Uncover the paella, gently fluff it with a fork, and stir in fresh chopped parsley.
How should the dish be served?
Serve the dish hot with lemon wedges on the side for squeezing over the top.
What type of oil is recommended?
The recipe calls for 2 tablespoons of olive oil.
How many tomatoes are required?
You will need 2 tomatoes, seeded and chopped.
Is this a one-pot meal?
Yes, it is described as a delightful one-pot meal that simplifies cleanup.
What is the total ingredient count for this recipe?
There are 15 ingredients in total.
Can this recipe be used for meal prep?
Yes, it is described as perfect for a family gathering or for meal prep purposes.
What is the primary grain used in this dish?
Quinoa is the primary grain used in this recipe.
How much salt and pepper is needed?
The recipe uses 2 teaspoons of salt and 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper.
Is this recipe considered healthy?
Yes, it is tagged as a healthy, lean protein, and high-fiber meal.
What is the amount of quinoa required?
The recipe requires 2 cups of quinoa.
What is the texture of the quinoa after toasting?
After 15 minutes of toasting, the quinoa becomes golden and aromatic.