This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my Disclosure Policy for details.
I love quinoa. This superfood, which is actually a seed rather than a grain, is one of the world’s most popular health foods. It’s versatile, easy to prepare and delicious.
Learn a bit about quinoa and then try this super easy recipe to create a quinoa and broccoli bowl.
Superfood Status
Although quinoa is a seed, it is grown as a grain crop. Cultivated in South America for thousands of years, the superfood only recently became a health food trend in the US.
Quinoa is gluten free, high in protein and one of the few plant based foods that provides all nine essential amino acids that the body needs.
Additionally, quinoa is high in fiber, magnesium, vitamins B and E, iron, potassium, calcium, phosphorus, copper, zinc and antioxidants.
Quinoa’s antioxidants help calm inflammation throughout the body and provide anti-cancer, anti-viral and anti-depressant properties.
Find out more about quinoa…and check out several other recipes…HERE.
Quinoa and Broccoli Bowl
I recently made incredibly yummy sweet potato and black bean tacos that contained quinoa. I still had a cup of dried quinoa left in the package that I wanted to use. So…ta da…I created a super easy bowl for dinner tonight.
Bowls…also called Buddha Bowls or grain bowls…and a fun and healthy way to get plenty of veggies. And they take minutes to prepare.
Here’s the recipe:
Quinoa and Broccoli Bowl
Ingredients
- 1 cup dry quinoa
- 2 tsp olive oil
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp sea salt
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 1 cup chopped celery
- 1/2 cup chopped green or red bell pepper
- 2 cloves minced garlic
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cups fresh broccoli and cauliflower florets
- sea salt, black pepper, onion powder, garlic powder to taste
Instructions
Cooking the Quinoa
- Add 1 cup of dried quinoa to medium sized sauce pan along with 2 cups of water. Stir in 2 teaspoons of olive oil, onion powder, garlic powder and sea salt. Bring to a boil, cover, reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes. Remove from heat and allow quinoa to sit, covered, for 5 minutes. Remove lid and fluff quinoa with a fork. Makes two cups of cooked quinoa for recipe.
Quinoa and Broccoli Bowl
- While quinoa cooks, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in large, non stick skillet. Add onions, celery, peppers and garlic. Stir fry over medium high heat until onions soften.
- Add broccoli and cauliflower florets. Sprinkle with additional onion powder, garlic powder, sea salt and black pepper, if desired. Continue cooking and stirring until veggies are crisp tender.
- Add cooked quinoa. Stir to combine and serve immediately in bowls. Makes 4 servings.
Tips for Creating Quinoa and Broccoli Bowl
Bowls are such a versatile way to create a delicious and healthy meal. You can add any combination of veggies and grains…or in this case, seeds. Follow these tips for a tasty bowl.
Try cooking quinoa with vegetable broth instead of water, for a richer flavor. You can even make your own veggie broth from vegetable scraps. Add other herbs or spices such as cumin, turmeric, basil, thyme or Italian seasoning to the quinoa while it cooks. I seem to add garlic and onion powder to almost everything!
And change out the broccoli and cauliflower for any other veggie combo. Try cut up asparagus and halved Brussels sprouts, carrots, sliced mushrooms or kale.
To make this recipe super easy, used frozen chopped onions, celery and peppers and a bag of fresh already cut up broccoli and cauliflower. I keep these on hand for quick meals. And you can purchase minced garlic in a jar.
Don’t have quinoa on hand? Sub cooked brown rice instead.
And you can also include sliced avocado, cooked chickpeas, a green salad, sliced tomatoes or other raw veggies to your bowl as well. Bowls are a great way to use leftover veggies, a few carrots or the last of the beans.
Ready to Eat in About 30 Minutes
In half an hour, my quinoa and broccoli bowl was ready to eat.
It was delicious and filling. I love the combination of broccoli, cauliflower and quinoa however, I enjoy other veggie combos as well.
Store any leftovers in the fridge and you have another meal ready to warm up the next day.
Do you like quinoa? I’d love to know if you have a favorite quinoa recipe. Share it or a link in the comments below!
Order quinoa from Amazon by clicking on photo below:
Journey With Healthy Me is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. This affiliate program provides a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com, all at no extra cost to you.