Spiced Carrot and Chickpea Quinoa Harmony
Discover a delightful fusion of flavors in this Spiced Carrot and Chickpea Quinoa Harmony. This vibrant dish marries the natural sweetness of baby carrots with the earthiness of chickpeas, all wrapped in the wholesome goodness of quinoa. Packed with protein and essential nutrients, it's the perfect vegetarian choice for a nourishing meal or an excellent side to accompany grilled meats. The hint of cayenne pepper adds a mellow warmth, while the cumin provides an aromatic touch to this colorful ensemble. For an added dimension of freshness, feel free to incorporate some chopped spinach just before serving. Ideal for family dinners or gatherings, this dish will impress your guests and leave them craving more!
4
Servings
150
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
Extra Virgin Olive Oil
2 (tablespoons)
Minced Garlic
1 (tablespoon)
Cayenne Pepper
1 (pinch)
Cumin
1/2 (teaspoon)
Baby Carrots, peeled and cut
2 (cups (11 oz.))
Garbanzo Beans, rinsed and drained
1 (14 1/2 ounce can)
Reduced-Sodium Chicken Broth or Vegetable Broth
2 (cups)
Quinoa, rinsed
1 (cup)
Salt
to taste
Freshly Ground Black Pepper
to taste
Chopped Italian Parsley
1/4 (cup)
Instructions
1
In a large saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat until shimmering.
2
Add the minced garlic, cayenne pepper, and cumin to the pan. Stir continuously for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
3
Introduce the bite-sized baby carrots and rinsed chickpeas to the pan, along with the broth. Stir to combine and bring the mixture to a rolling boil.
4
Once boiling, add the rinsed quinoa, stir well, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the saucepan and let it simmer for approximately 30 minutes, or until the quinoa has fully absorbed the liquid and the carrots are tender.
5
Once cooked, season the mixture with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Finally, fold in the chopped parsley just before serving for a burst of color and flavor.
6
If desired, stir in fresh chopped spinach at the end for extra nutrition and a lovely green hue.
Nutrition Information
3g
Fat
22.5g
Carbs
6g
Protein
3.75g
Fiber
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Spiced Carrot and Chickpea Quinoa Harmony?
It is a vibrant vegetarian dish that combines baby carrots, chickpeas, and quinoa with aromatic spices like cumin and cayenne pepper.
Is this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, it is vegetarian-friendly, especially when prepared using vegetable broth.
Is the dish gluten-free?
Yes, quinoa is naturally gluten-free, making this dish suitable for those on a gluten-free diet.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe is designed to serve 4 people.
What are the main protein sources in this dish?
The primary protein sources are chickpeas (garbanzo beans) and quinoa.
How many calories are in a serving?
Each serving contains approximately 150 calories.
What type of broth should I use?
You can use either reduced-sodium chicken broth or vegetable broth depending on your dietary preference.
Do I need to rinse the quinoa?
Yes, the recipe specifically calls for rinsed quinoa to ensure the best flavor and texture.
How long does the quinoa need to simmer?
The quinoa should simmer for approximately 30 minutes or until the liquid is absorbed and the carrots are tender.
What spices are used for seasoning?
The dish is seasoned with minced garlic, cayenne pepper, cumin, salt, and freshly ground black pepper.
Is this dish spicy?
The addition of a pinch of cayenne pepper provides a mellow warmth rather than intense heat.
Can I add extra greens to this recipe?
Yes, you can fold in fresh chopped spinach at the end for added nutrition and color.
What type of parsley is recommended?
The recipe suggests using 1/4 cup of chopped Italian parsley.
How much fat is in each serving?
Each serving contains 3g of fat.
What is the carbohydrate content?
There are 22.5g of carbohydrates per serving.
How much fiber does this dish provide?
Each serving provides 3.75g of dietary fiber.
How much protein is in one serving?
Each serving contains 6g of protein.
What type of oil is used for sautéing?
The recipe uses 2 tablespoons of Extra Virgin Olive Oil.
Can I use regular carrots instead of baby carrots?
Yes, you can use regular carrots as long as they are peeled and cut into bite-sized pieces.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 11 ingredients in total for this recipe.
What category does this recipe fall into?
This recipe is categorized under Grains.
When do I add the garlic and spices?
Add the garlic, cayenne, and cumin to the heated olive oil and stir for 30 seconds before adding the vegetables.
Are the chickpeas canned or dried?
The recipe calls for one 14.5 ounce can of garbanzo beans, rinsed and drained.
How do I know when the dish is finished cooking?
The dish is ready when the liquid is fully absorbed by the quinoa and the carrots are tender.
Can this be served as a side dish?
Yes, it makes an excellent side dish to accompany grilled meats or can be eaten as a main meal.
Does this recipe contain cholesterol?
The nutrition data indicates no cholesterol is present in this recipe.
What is the first step of the instructions?
The first step is to heat olive oil in a large saucepan over medium-high heat until shimmering.
How much garlic should I use?
The recipe requires 1 tablespoon of minced garlic.
Is there any sugar in this recipe?
The sugar content is negligible or not listed as a significant value in the nutritional data.
When should I season with salt and pepper?
Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste once the mixture has finished cooking.