Description
This Spiced Winter Bowl is a cozy, nutrient-packed dish perfect for chilly days. Featuring fluffy quinoa cooked in vegetable broth and a fragrant blend of spices sautéed with hearty winter vegetables like sweet potatoes, carrots, and kale, this recipe offers a warm, comforting meal rich in flavors and textures.
Ingredients
Scale
Grains
- 1 cup quinoa
- 2 cups vegetable broth
Vegetables & Aromatics
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup carrots, diced
- 1 cup sweet potatoes, diced
- 1 cup kale, chopped
Spices & Oils
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon coriander
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Rinse quinoa: Rinse the quinoa thoroughly under cold running water to remove its natural coating, which can cause bitterness, then drain well.
- Cook quinoa: In a medium pot, bring the vegetable broth to a boil. Add the rinsed quinoa, reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes or until the quinoa is tender and the liquid is absorbed.
- Sauté aromatics: While quinoa cooks, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, sautéing until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add spices: Stir in cumin, coriander, and cinnamon, cooking for about 1 minute to release their aromas without burning.
- Cook vegetables: Add the diced carrots and sweet potatoes to the skillet, stirring to coat with the spices. Cook for approximately 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are tender.
- Wilt kale: Add the chopped kale to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes until it wilts and softens but still retains some texture.
- Combine and season: Mix the cooked quinoa into the vegetable and spice mixture in the skillet. Season with salt and pepper to taste, stir well, and serve the dish warm.
Notes
- Rinsing quinoa is essential to remove bitterness from saponins naturally found on its surface.
- Adjust spice levels according to your preference; you can add a pinch of chili flakes for heat.
- This dish pairs well with a dollop of yogurt or a sprinkle of toasted nuts for added texture.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently.
