Zesty Quinoa Spanish-Style
This Zesty Quinoa Spanish-Style is a delightful and nutritious twist on the classic Spanish rice dish. By incorporating quinoa, a superfood packed with protein and essential amino acids, this recipe not only elevates the flavor profile but also enhances the nutritional value. Perfect for those looking to explore grains beyond rice, this dish offers a vibrant and aromatic experience with a hint of heat. Ideal for family dinners or as a side dish at gatherings, it's both filling and flavorful.
N/A
Servings
140
Calories
6
Ingredients
Ingredients
quinoa
3/4 cup (rinsed thoroughly)
diced tomatoes
1 can (15 ounces) (optional: blended)
garlic cloves
2-3 (minced)
chili powder
1 tablespoon (none)
ground cumin
2 teaspoons (none)
cayenne
1/4 teaspoon (none)
Instructions
1
Thoroughly rinse the quinoa under cold water using a fine mesh sieve until the water runs clear, which helps remove any bitterness.
2
If you prefer a smoother texture, blend the diced tomatoes in a blender until smooth. Otherwise, leave as is if you like chunks.
3
In a measuring cup, combine the blended or whole diced tomatoes with enough water to make a total of 1 1/2 cups liquid.
4
In a medium saucepan over medium-high heat, combine the rinsed quinoa with the tomato and water mixture, and minced garlic.
5
Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and cover the saucepan. Allow it to simmer gently for 15-20 minutes or until the liquid is absorbed and the quinoa is fluffy.
6
Once the quinoa is cooked, remove the pan from heat and stir in the chili powder, cumin, and cayenne. Mix well until the spices are fully incorporated.
7
Taste and add salt as needed. Let it sit for a few minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld.
8
Garnish with fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley if desired and serve warm.
Nutrition Information
24g
Carbs
5g
Protein
5g
Fiber
240mg
Sodium
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Zesty Quinoa Spanish-Style?
It is a nutritious and flavorful twist on the classic Spanish rice dish using protein-rich quinoa.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, quinoa is naturally gluten-free, and the other ingredients listed are also safe for a gluten-free diet.
Is this dish suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this is a vegetarian-friendly dish that also fits into a vegan diet.
How many calories are in a serving?
There are approximately 140 calories per serving of this quinoa dish.
How much protein does this recipe provide?
Each serving contains 5 grams of protein.
Is this dish high in fiber?
Yes, it provides 5 grams of fiber per serving, which is beneficial for digestion.
How many carbohydrates are in one serving?
There are 24 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
Why should I rinse the quinoa before cooking?
Rinsing the quinoa helps remove the natural outer coating called saponin, which can cause a bitter taste.
Do I need to blend the tomatoes?
Blending the tomatoes is optional; you can do it for a smoother texture or leave them diced for a chunkier consistency.
How much total liquid is needed for the quinoa?
You should combine the tomatoes and water to reach a total of 1 1/2 cups of liquid.
How much quinoa does this recipe call for?
The recipe uses 3/4 cup of rinsed quinoa.
What spices give this dish its flavor?
The flavor comes from a combination of chili powder, ground cumin, and cayenne pepper.
How much chili powder is used?
The recipe calls for 1 tablespoon of chili powder.
Is this dish very spicy?
It has a hint of heat from 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper, which can be adjusted to your preference.
How much cumin is needed?
You will need 2 teaspoons of ground cumin.
How many garlic cloves should I use?
The recipe recommends using 2 to 3 minced garlic cloves.
What is the sodium content per serving?
Each serving contains approximately 240mg of sodium.
How long does the quinoa need to simmer?
The quinoa should simmer gently for 15 to 20 minutes until the liquid is fully absorbed.
When do I add the spices to the quinoa?
The spices should be stirred in after the quinoa is cooked and removed from the heat.
Can I add salt to this recipe?
Yes, you can taste the finished dish and add salt as needed.
What is the first step in the cooking process?
The first step is to thoroughly rinse the quinoa under cold water using a fine mesh sieve.
What type of saucepan should I use?
A medium saucepan is ideal for cooking this amount of quinoa.
Should I cover the pan while cooking?
Yes, once the mixture reaches a boil, reduce the heat and cover the pan to allow it to simmer.
What are the recommended garnishes?
Fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley are recommended for garnishing before serving.
Can I serve this dish at a gathering?
Yes, it is perfect as a side dish for family dinners or gatherings.
Why let the quinoa sit for a few minutes after cooking?
Letting it sit allows the flavors to meld and ensures the quinoa is fluffy.
What is the total ingredient count?
The recipe consists of 6 primary ingredients.
Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?
While the recipe specifies a 15-ounce can of diced tomatoes, you can substitute fresh tomatoes if they equal the same liquid volume.
Is this an easy recipe for beginners?
Yes, with only a few steps and common ingredients, it is categorized as an easy recipe.
Does this recipe contain any fat or sugar?
The nutrition facts list zero grams for both fat and sugar in this recipe.