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Spanish Quinoa Recipe

4.7 from 70 reviews

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.

Ingredients

Scale

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

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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