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Easy Flavor-Packed One-Pot Mediterranean Quinoa Bowl

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A quick and easy one-pot Mediterranean quinoa bowl bursting with fresh flavors, perfect for healthy meals that are satisfying and fuss-free.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup (170g) rinsed quinoa
  • 2 cups (480ml) vegetable broth
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup (150g) cherry tomatoes, halved
  • ½ cup (75g) Kalamata olives, pitted and sliced
  • 1 medium cucumber, diced
  • ¼ cup red onion, finely chopped
  • ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
  • 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Optional add-ins: crumbled feta cheese, toasted pine nuts, cooked chickpeas

Instructions

  1. Rinse the quinoa under cold running water for about 30 seconds using a fine mesh strainer. Drain well.
  2. Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a medium pot over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
  3. Add the rinsed quinoa to the pot and stir for 1-2 minutes to toast.
  4. Pour in 2 cups vegetable broth, add 1 teaspoon dried oregano, salt, and pepper to taste. Stir to combine and bring to a boil.
  5. Reduce heat to low, cover with lid, and simmer gently for 15 minutes without lifting the lid.
  6. Remove pot from heat and keep covered. Let quinoa rest for 5 minutes to fluff up.
  7. While quinoa rests, prepare fresh ingredients: halve cherry tomatoes, slice Kalamata olives, dice cucumber, finely chop red onion and parsley.
  8. Fluff quinoa with a fork, then gently stir in fresh veggies, herbs, and lemon juice. Adjust salt and pepper as needed. Fold in optional feta cheese or toasted pine nuts if using.
  9. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Notes

Rinsing quinoa removes bitterness. Toast quinoa before cooking for enhanced flavor. Use vegetable broth instead of water for depth. Avoid stirring quinoa while simmering to prevent gumminess. Add fresh veggies and lemon juice after cooking to keep flavors bright. If quinoa is crunchy after cooking, add broth and steam a few more minutes.

Nutrition

Keywords: quinoa bowl, Mediterranean quinoa, healthy quinoa recipe, one-pot meal, easy quinoa bowl, vegetarian, gluten-free

Find it online: https://lumalunch.com/easy-flavor-packed-one-pot-mediterranean-quinoa-bowl-recipe-for-healthy-meals/