Name: One Pot Moroccan Quinoa: An Incredible Ultimate Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Moroccan
Ingredients: 1 cup quinoa, rinsed; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 onion, finely chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 red bell pepper, diced; 1 carrot, diced; 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed; 1 cup vegetable broth; 1 teaspoon ground cumin; 1 teaspoon ground coriander; 1 teaspoon ground turmeric; ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon; Salt and pepper, to taste; 1 cup frozen green peas; ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped; Lemon wedges, for serving

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe combines the nutty texture of quinoa with warm Moroccan spices and fresh vegetables, creating a vibrant and satisfying meal in just one pot. It’s vegetarian, gluten-free, and packed with protein and fiber. Plus, it’s simple to prepare and clean up!

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

1 cup quinoa, rinsed
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 red bell pepper, diced
1 carrot, diced
1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
1 cup vegetable broth
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon ground coriander
1 teaspoon ground turmeric
½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
Salt and pepper, to taste
1 cup frozen green peas
¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
Lemon wedges, for serving

Directions

Heat Oil: Warm olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
Sauté Aromatics: Add chopped onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until translucent. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
Cook Vegetables: Stir in diced red bell pepper and carrot. Cook about 5 minutes until vegetables soften.
Add Spices: Mix in cumin, coriander, turmeric, and cinnamon. Toast spices for 1 minute to release their aroma.
Add Quinoa and Chickpeas: Stir in rinsed quinoa and chickpeas until well combined.
Add Broth: Pour in vegetable broth and stir.
Bring to Boil: Increase heat and bring mixture to a boil.
Simmer: Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes until quinoa is fluffy and liquid is absorbed.
Add Peas: Stir in frozen green peas during the last 2 minutes of cooking.
Season and Garnish: Remove from heat, fluff with a fork, season with salt and pepper, and stir in fresh parsley.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 4
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes

Variations

Swap chickpeas with cooked lentils or black beans for variety.
Add chopped dried apricots or raisins for a touch of sweetness.
Use fresh tomatoes instead of bell pepper for a different flavor.
Garnish with toasted almonds or pine nuts for crunch.
Add harissa or cayenne for extra heat.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave, adding a splash of water or broth if needed to loosen.

FAQs

Can I use brown rice instead of quinoa?

Yes, but cooking time will increase, and you may need to adjust liquid.

Is this recipe vegan?

Yes, it contains no animal products.

Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, it stores well and flavors deepen after sitting overnight.

What if I don’t have all the spices?

Use what you have; cumin and coriander are essential, others are optional.

Can I use fresh peas instead of frozen?

Yes, just add them towards the end of cooking as fresh peas cook faster.

How spicy is this dish?

It’s mild but warm with spices; you can add chili powder or cayenne to increase heat.

Is this dish gluten-free?

Yes, quinoa and the ingredients used are naturally gluten-free.

Can I add meat or tofu?

Yes, cooked chicken, beef, or tofu can be added for extra protein.

How do I rinse quinoa properly?

Place quinoa in a fine mesh strainer and rinse under cold water for 30 seconds to remove bitterness.

Can I double this recipe?

Yes, just double ingredients and use a larger pot.

Conclusion

One Pot Moroccan Quinoa is a flavorful, wholesome, and easy meal that brings the warmth of Moroccan spices to your table with minimal fuss. It’s perfect for busy days, nutritious lunches, or satisfying dinners, with plenty of room for customization to suit your taste.