Spiced Quinoa Bake

Spiced Quinoa Bake is a hearty, dairy-free Indian-inspired dish that combines quinoa with aromatic spices and vegetables, all baked to perfection. This nourishing meal is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients, making it a great choice for a wholesome dinner.

Ingredients

• Quinoa - 150 grams
• Water - 500 milliliters
• Onion - 1 medium, finely chopped
• Garlic - 3 cloves, minced
• Ginger - 1 tablespoon, grated
• Bell pepper - 1 medium, diced
• Carrot - 1 medium, grated
• Spinach - 100 grams, chopped
• Cumin seeds - 1 teaspoon
• Coriander powder - 1 teaspoon
• Turmeric powder - 1/2 teaspoon
• Garam masala - 1 teaspoon
• Salt - to taste
• Black pepper - to taste
• Olive oil - 2 tablespoons
• Lemon juice - 1 tablespoon
• Cilantro - for garnish

Steps

1. Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
2. Rinse the quinoa under cold water and then combine it with 500 ml of water in a saucepan. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes or until the quinoa is fluffy and the water is absorbed. Remove from heat and let it sit covered for 5 minutes.
3. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the cumin seeds and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
4. Add the chopped onion, garlic, and ginger to the skillet. Cook for 5-7 minutes until the onion becomes translucent.
5. Stir in the diced bell pepper, grated carrot, and chopped spinach. Cook for another 5 minutes until the vegetables are tender.
6. Add the cooked quinoa to the skillet along with coriander powder, turmeric, garam masala, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to combine all the ingredients.
7. Transfer the quinoa mixture into a lightly greased baking dish. Spread it evenly.
8. Drizzle lemon juice over the top and bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes until heated through.
9. Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh cilantro before serving.

Nutrition

• Calories: 350
• Protein: 12 g
• Carbs: 60 g
• Fiber: 8 g
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 200 mg
• Cholesterol: 0 mg
• Total Fat: 10 g
• Saturated Fat: 1 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Water: 0.5 L

Health Benefits

• Rich in protein and fiber, promoting satiety and digestive health.
• Contains antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties from spices like turmeric and ginger.

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