Spanish Quinoa Recipe
Introduction
Spanish Quinoa is a flavorful and nutritious dish that combines fluffy quinoa with vibrant salsa and aromatic sautéed onions. It’s a perfect quick meal that is both satisfying and packed with wholesome ingredients.
Ingredients
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
- 1/4 cup chopped white onion
- 1 cup quinoa
- 1/2 cup chunky salsa
- 2 cups vegetable broth
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat the olive oil in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until tender and golden brown, about 5 minutes.
- Step 2: Stir in the quinoa, chunky salsa, and vegetable broth. Bring the mixture to a boil, then cover and reduce the heat to a simmer. Cook for 20 minutes until the quinoa is tender and liquid is absorbed.
- Step 3: Remove the saucepan from the heat. Fluff the quinoa with a fork and let it sit, covered, for 5 minutes before serving.
Tips & Variations
- For extra flavor, toast the quinoa in the saucepan for 2–3 minutes before adding the broth and salsa.
- Try adding black beans or corn for a heartier meal.
- Use fresh salsa for a brighter taste or mild salsa if you prefer less heat.
- Garnish with chopped cilantro or a squeeze of lime for a fresh finish.
Storage
Store leftover Spanish quinoa in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of water or broth to prevent drying out.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use water instead of vegetable broth?
Yes, you can substitute water if you don’t have vegetable broth, but using broth adds more flavor to the dish.
Is it necessary to rinse quinoa before cooking?
Rinsing quinoa removes its natural coating called saponin, which can taste bitter. It’s recommended to rinse quinoa under cold water before cooking for the best taste.
PrintSpanish Quinoa Recipe
This vibrant Spanish Quinoa dish is a flavorful, nutritious one-pot meal combining nutty quinoa with a tangy salsa and tender sautéed onions. Perfect as a wholesome side or light main, it brings a delightful Spanish-inspired twist using simple ingredients and vegetable broth to infuse savory depth.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Spanish-inspired
- Diet: Gluten Free, Vegan
Ingredients
Vegetables and Flavorings
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
- 1/4 cup chopped white onion
- 1/2 cup chunky salsa
Grains and Liquids
- 1 cup quinoa
- 2 cups vegetable broth
Instructions
- Heat the oil and sauté onion: Warm the olive oil in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add the chopped white onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until the onion becomes tender and turns golden brown, which takes about 5 minutes. This step develops the foundational flavor for the dish.
- Add quinoa, salsa, and broth: Stir in the quinoa, chunky salsa, and vegetable broth until everything is fully combined. Increase the heat to bring the mixture to a rolling boil.
- Simmer the quinoa: Once boiling, cover the saucepan with a lid and reduce the heat to low. Allow the quinoa to simmer gently for 20 minutes, or until all the liquid is absorbed and the quinoa is tender.
- Fluff and rest: Remove the saucepan from heat. Using a fork, fluff the quinoa to separate the grains and reveal the fluffy texture. Let it sit covered for 5 minutes to finish steaming and enhance the texture before serving.
Notes
- For a spicier variation, use a salsa with added jalapeños or chili flakes.
- Make sure to rinse quinoa thoroughly before cooking to remove its natural bitterness.
- This recipe is naturally gluten-free and vegan.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 4 days and reheated gently with a splash of water.
- Feel free to add cooked vegetables or beans for added nutrition and variety.
Keywords: Spanish Quinoa, quinoa recipe, vegan quinoa, gluten-free quinoa, easy quinoa side dish, vegetable broth quinoa, healthy grain dish
