Balsamic Roasted Vegetable and Quinoa Bowl with Chickpeas

This Balsamic Roasted Vegetable and Quinoa Bowl with Chickpeas is a vibrant and nutritious dish, featuring a medley of roasted vegetables, protein-packed chickpeas, and fluffy quinoa, all drizzled with a tangy balsamic glaze. Perfect for a wholesome dinner, it combines flavors and textures for a satisfying meal.

Ingredients

• Quinoa - 1 cup (200g)
• Chickpeas (canned) - 1 cup (240g), drained and rinsed
• Zucchini - 1 medium (200g), diced
• Bell pepper (red or yellow) - 1 medium (150g), diced
• Red onion - 1 small (100g), diced
• Cherry tomatoes - 1 cup (150g), halved
• Olive oil - 2 tablespoons (30ml)
• Balsamic vinegar - 3 tablespoons (45ml)
• Garlic - 2 cloves, minced
• Salt - 1 teaspoon (5g)
• Black pepper - 1/2 teaspoon (2g)
• Fresh parsley - 2 tablespoons, chopped (optional for garnish)

Steps

1. Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F).
2. In a large bowl, combine the diced zucchini, bell pepper, red onion, and cherry tomatoes.
3. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper.
4. Pour the balsamic mixture over the vegetables and toss until they are well coated.
5. Spread the vegetables in a single layer on a baking sheet and roast in the preheated oven for 20 minutes, or until tender and slightly caramelized.
6. While the vegetables are roasting, rinse the quinoa under cold water in a fine mesh strainer.
7. In a medium saucepan, combine the rinsed quinoa with 2 cups (500ml) of water and bring to a boil.
8. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 15 minutes, or until the quinoa is fluffy and the water is absorbed.
9. Remove the roasted vegetables from the oven and add the chickpeas to the baking sheet, tossing to combine.
10. Return to the oven for an additional 5 minutes, just to warm the chickpeas.
11. To serve, divide the quinoa between two bowls, top with the roasted vegetables and chickpeas, and garnish with fresh parsley if desired.

Nutrition

• Calories: 450
• Protein: 15 g
• Carbs: 68 g
• Fiber: 12 g
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 300 mg
• Cholesterol: 0 mg
• Total Fat: 12 g
• Saturated Fat: 1 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
• Water: 0.5 L

Health Benefits

• Rich in plant-based protein from quinoa and chickpeas, promoting muscle health.
• Packed with vitamins and antioxidants from a variety of colorful vegetables.

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