Savory Quinoa Medley with Ham and Cranberries
Discover the delightful fusion of flavors in this Savory Quinoa Medley with Ham and Cranberries. Packed with protein and essential nutrients, quinoa serves as the perfect base for this dish, elevating it from a simple side to a satisfying meal. The combination of tender ham, vibrant vegetables, and the natural sweetness of dried cranberries creates a hearty and nutritious experience that's perfect for any occasion. Enjoy it warm or cold, making it a versatile addition to your meal rotation. Substitute ham with chicken or shrimp for a refreshing twist on this wholesome recipe. Whether it’s a quick weeknight dinner or a festive gathering, this dish is sure to please!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
ham stock
1 cup (homemade or store-bought)
ham
1/4 cup (chopped)
quinoa
1/2 cup (toasted)
butter
1 tablespoon (for sautéing)
onion
1/2 cup (chopped)
zucchini
1/2 cup (chopped)
red pepper
1/2 cup (chopped)
salt
1/4 teaspoon
pepper
1/4 teaspoon
cayenne pepper
1/8 teaspoon
dried cranberries
1/4 cup
Instructions
1
In a small saucepan, bring the ham stock to a rolling boil. Stir in the chopped ham and return to a boil.
2
Add the toasted quinoa to the mixture, reduce the heat to low, and cover. Allow to cook for about 15 minutes, or until all the liquid is absorbed and the quinoa is fluffy.
3
While the quinoa cooks, heat butter in a frying pan over medium heat.
4
Add the chopped onion, zucchini, and red pepper to the pan, along with salt, pepper, and cayenne. Sauté until the vegetables are tender yet crisp, about 5-7 minutes.
5
Once the quinoa is cooked, gently fold it into the sautéed vegetables in the frying pan. Stir in the dried cranberries and heat through for an additional 2-3 minutes.
6
Remove from heat and serve warm or let cool for a refreshing cold salad.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary base of the Savory Quinoa Medley?
The primary base of this dish is quinoa, which serves as a nutrient-dense and protein-packed foundation.
How much ham stock is required for this recipe?
The recipe requires 1 cup of ham stock, which can be either homemade or store-bought.
Does the quinoa need to be toasted?
Yes, the recipe specifies using 1/2 cup of toasted quinoa for optimal flavor.
What vegetables are included in the medley?
The medley includes 1/2 cup each of chopped onion, chopped zucchini, and chopped red pepper.
Can I substitute the ham with other proteins?
Yes, you can substitute ham with chicken or shrimp for a refreshing twist on the recipe.
How long does the quinoa take to cook?
The quinoa should cook for about 15 minutes on low heat until all liquid is absorbed and it becomes fluffy.
What type of cranberries should I use?
The recipe calls for 1/4 cup of dried cranberries to add a natural sweetness to the dish.
How should the dish be served?
This versatile dish can be served warm as a hearty meal or cold as a refreshing salad.
What spices are used for seasoning?
The dish is seasoned with 1/4 teaspoon of salt, 1/4 teaspoon of pepper, and 1/8 teaspoon of cayenne pepper.
What is the first step in the instructions?
The first step is to bring the ham stock to a rolling boil in a small saucepan and then stir in the chopped ham.
Is this recipe considered healthy?
Yes, it is described as a healthy meal packed with protein and essential nutrients.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are a total of 11 ingredients in this Savory Quinoa Medley.
What fat is used to sauté the vegetables?
One tablespoon of butter is used for sautéing the vegetables.
When do I add the cranberries?
Dried cranberries are stirred in during the final 2-3 minutes of heating after the quinoa has been folded into the vegetables.
Should the vegetables be soft or crisp?
The vegetables should be sautéed until they are tender yet crisp, which takes about 5-7 minutes.
How much ham is used in the recipe?
The recipe uses 1/4 cup of chopped ham.
Is this a quick recipe to prepare?
Yes, it is tagged as a quick recipe suitable for a weeknight dinner.
Can I make this for a festive gathering?
Absolutely, the description mentions it is perfect for both quick weeknight dinners and festive gatherings.
How do I ensure the quinoa is fluffy?
Cook the quinoa covered on low heat for 15 minutes until all liquid is absorbed.
What does the cayenne pepper add to the dish?
The 1/8 teaspoon of cayenne pepper adds a very subtle heat and depth of flavor to the vegetable mix.
Is the onion chopped or sliced?
The onion should be chopped, with 1/2 cup needed for the recipe.
What is the preparation for the red pepper?
The red pepper should be chopped before being added to the frying pan.
Can I use store-bought stock?
Yes, the recipe allows for either homemade or store-bought ham stock.
Is this recipe high in protein?
Yes, it is tagged as high protein due to the combination of quinoa and ham.
Do I cook the quinoa and vegetables together from the start?
No, the quinoa is cooked separately in ham stock first, and then folded into the sautéed vegetables later.
What heat level should the vegetables be sautéed at?
The vegetables should be sautéed over medium heat.
How much zucchini is required?
The recipe requires 1/2 cup of chopped zucchini.
Is the ham stock boiled before adding quinoa?
Yes, the stock and ham are brought to a rolling boil before the toasted quinoa is added.
What is the texture of the final dish?
The final dish features fluffy quinoa, tender-crisp vegetables, and chewy dried cranberries.
What makes this dish a 'medley'?
It is a medley because it fuses several different flavors and textures, including savory ham, sweet cranberries, and various vegetables.