Description
A warm and nourishing bowl filled with bright citrus, earthy roasted vegetables, nutty quinoa, and a tangy herb dressing, perfect for chilly evenings.
Ingredients
- 1 cup quinoa, rinsed
- 2 cups low-sodium vegetable broth
- 2 cups mixed winter vegetables (butternut squash, carrots, and Brussels sprouts), diced
- 1 cup canned chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 1/2 cup pomegranate seeds (optional)
- 1/4 cup toasted pine nuts or slivered almonds
- 1/3 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp olive oil (for roasting)
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- For the lemon-herb dressing:
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
- 1/2 tsp honey or maple syrup
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Toss the diced winter vegetables with 1 tbsp olive oil, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Spread in a single layer on a baking sheet. Roast for 20–25 minutes, stirring once, until tender and caramelized.
- While the veggies roast, add the rinsed quinoa and vegetable broth to a medium saucepan. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes or until the liquid is absorbed. Remove from heat and let sit covered for 5 minutes, then fluff with a fork.
- Optional: For a little crunch, dry the chickpeas and toss them with a pinch of salt and a drizzle of olive oil, then roast on a separate tray for 10–12 minutes at 400°F until golden.
- Whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, parsley, and honey. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
- Divide the fluffy quinoa among bowls. Top with roasted winter vegetables, chickpeas, pomegranate seeds, toasted nuts, and crumbled feta. Drizzle the lemon-herb dressing over each bowl and serve warm.
Notes
Rinse your quinoa well to avoid bitterness and ensure a light, fluffy texture. Cut vegetables into similar-sized pieces for even roasting.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: Mediterranean