Quinoa Bowl
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Quinoa Bowl
This quinoa bowl is fresh, filling, and easy to make your own. Fluffy quinoa is the base, then you pile on roasted vegetables, chickpeas, greens, and a bright lemon dressing. Rinse the quinoa first to wash off its natural coating, which can taste bitter. Everything can be made ahead and assembled cold, which makes this a smart lunch to pack for the week.
Ingredients
- 1 cup quinoa, rinsed
- 2 cups water or vegetable broth
- 1 can (15 ounces) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 2 cups diced sweet potato
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cups baby spinach or kale
- 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes
- 1 avocado, sliced
- 3 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Directions
- Heat the oven to 425F. Toss the sweet potato and chickpeas with 1 tablespoon olive oil, salt, and pepper, then roast on a sheet pan for 20 minutes until tender and golden.
- Meanwhile, combine the quinoa and water in a saucepan. Bring to a boil, cover, and simmer on low for 15 minutes until the liquid is absorbed.
- Fluff the quinoa with a fork and let it cool slightly.
- Whisk the lemon juice, remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil, and garlic into a dressing. Season with salt and pepper.
- Divide the quinoa among four bowls. Top with the roasted sweet potato and chickpeas, spinach, tomatoes, and avocado.
- Drizzle with the lemon dressing and serve.
Tips and variations
- Always rinse quinoa before cooking. It washes off the natural coating that can taste soapy or bitter.
- Use a 2 to 1 liquid to quinoa ratio and let it rest covered after cooking so it steams and fluffs.
- Roast the vegetables and cook the quinoa ahead, then assemble cold bowls all week.
- Swap in any vegetables and protein you like. Grilled chicken, tofu, or a soft egg all work well.
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Common questions
- How do I cook fluffy quinoa
- Rinse it, use two parts liquid to one part quinoa, and simmer covered for 15 minutes. Let it rest off the heat for 5 minutes, then fluff with a fork.
- Why does my quinoa taste bitter
- Quinoa has a natural coating called saponin that tastes bitter. A quick rinse under cold water before cooking removes it.
- Can I meal prep quinoa bowls
- Yes. Store the components separately and assemble when ready, or build the bowls and keep the dressing and avocado on the side until serving.
- Is a quinoa bowl filling enough for dinner
- Yes, especially with chickpeas, roasted vegetables, and avocado. Add grilled chicken, tofu, or an egg for extra protein.
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