Nutty Quinoa & Spinach Delight
Elevate your meal prep with this Nutty Quinoa & Spinach Delight, packed with protein-rich quinoa, fresh spinach, crunchy walnuts, and tangy grape tomatoes. This vibrant stir fry brings together earthy flavors and delightful textures, making it a perfect centerpiece for a healthy lunch or dinner. Easy to prepare, this dish not only nourishes but also invites you to enjoy the simple pleasures of wholesome ingredients. Share it with friends and family for a satisfying and nutritious experience!
4
Servings
N/A
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
quinoa
1 cup (rinsed and drained)
olive oil
1 tablespoon (for cooking)
garlic
1 teaspoon (minced)
water
2 cups (for cooking quinoa)
spinach
5 ounces (fresh)
grape tomatoes
1 cup (halved)
walnuts
1/2 cup (toasted and roughly chopped)
parmesan cheese
1/2 cup (grated)
basil leaves
to taste (for garnish)
Instructions
1
Begin by rinsing the quinoa under cold water in a fine-mesh strainer to remove any bitterness. Drain well and set aside.
2
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the rinsed quinoa and toast it, stirring frequently for about 10 minutes, or until it takes on a golden color and nutty aroma.
3
Once toasted, add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for an additional minute until fragrant.
4
Pour in 2 cups of water, adding a pinch of salt if desired. Increase the heat to bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let it simmer for approximately 15 minutes, or until the water is fully absorbed.
5
After the quinoa is cooked, gently fold in the fresh spinach and halved grape tomatoes. Cook over medium heat for one more minute, or just until the spinach is wilted.
6
Stir in the toasted walnuts and grated parmesan cheese, mixing well to combine all the ingredients.
7
Serve warm, garnished with fresh basil leaves for an extra burst of flavor and color.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Nutty Quinoa & Spinach Delight?
Nutty Quinoa & Spinach Delight is a vibrant grain-based stir fry featuring protein-rich quinoa, fresh spinach, toasted walnuts, and grape tomatoes.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe makes approximately 4 servings.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this dish is vegetarian, though it contains parmesan cheese.
Why should I rinse the quinoa?
Rinsing quinoa under cold water is essential to remove its natural coating, which can cause a bitter taste.
How long does it take to toast the quinoa?
You should toast the rinsed quinoa in olive oil for about 10 minutes until it becomes golden and fragrant.
When do I add the garlic?
Add the minced garlic to the skillet after the quinoa has finished toasting, then sauté for one additional minute.
What is the ratio of water to quinoa for this recipe?
The recipe uses 2 cups of water for every 1 cup of quinoa.
How long does the quinoa need to simmer?
The quinoa should simmer on low heat for approximately 15 minutes, or until all water is absorbed.
When should the fresh spinach be added?
Gently fold in the fresh spinach after the quinoa is fully cooked and the water has been absorbed.
How do I prepare the grape tomatoes?
The grape tomatoes should be halved before being added to the skillet.
How long should I cook the spinach and tomatoes?
Cook them over medium heat for about one minute, just until the spinach is wilted.
Should the walnuts be prepared in any specific way?
Yes, the walnuts should be toasted and roughly chopped before being stirred into the dish.
What kind of cheese is used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for 1/2 cup of grated parmesan cheese.
What is the best way to garnish this dish?
Serve the dish warm and garnish it with fresh basil leaves for a burst of flavor.
Is this recipe good for meal prep?
Yes, it is specifically noted as an excellent option for healthy meal prep.
What category does this recipe belong to?
This recipe is categorized under Grains.
How many ingredients are required for this dish?
There are 9 ingredients in total: quinoa, olive oil, garlic, water, spinach, grape tomatoes, walnuts, parmesan, and basil.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
To make it vegan, simply omit the parmesan cheese or replace it with a plant-based cheese alternative.
What type of oil is used for cooking?
The recipe uses 1 tablespoon of olive oil for toasting the quinoa and sautéing the garlic.
Is this dish served hot or cold?
This dish is best served warm.
What is the texture of the quinoa in this recipe?
Toasting the quinoa before boiling gives it a slightly crunchy, nutty texture and aroma.
Can I add salt to the cooking water?
Yes, you can add a pinch of salt to the water when boiling the quinoa if desired.
What size of spinach should I use?
The recipe specifies 5 ounces of fresh spinach.
Does this recipe include nutritional information?
Specific calorie and macronutrient counts are not provided in the raw data, but it is described as protein-rich and nutritious.
How long does the entire cooking process take?
The process takes roughly 30 minutes: 10 mins toasting, 1 min garlic, 15 mins simmering, and 2 mins finishing.
Is this recipe considered easy?
Yes, it is tagged as an 'easy recipe' and involves simple preparation steps.
Can I substitute the walnuts?
While walnuts are specified for their crunch, you could likely substitute them with other nuts like toasted pecans or almonds.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Quinoa is naturally gluten-free; however, check your specific ingredients to ensure no cross-contamination if you have a sensitivity.
How much garlic is needed?
The recipe calls for 1 teaspoon of minced garlic.
Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?
The recipe recommends fresh spinach for the best texture, but frozen spinach could be used if thawed and squeezed dry first.