One Pot Spinach CHICKPEA AND QUINOA Recipe | Easy Vegetarian and Vegan Meals | Quinoa recipes

feta cheese

🥗Healthier: tofu

💰Cheaper: omit

Tofu provides a similar texture while being lower in calories.

olive oil

🥗Healthier: avocado oil

💰Cheaper: canola oil

Canola oil is less expensive and has a neutral flavor.

quinoa

🥗Healthier: brown rice

💰Cheaper: white rice

Brown rice is a whole grain alternative, while white rice is more economical.

chickpeas

🥗Healthier: lentils

💰Cheaper: canned beans

Canned beans are often cheaper and provide similar protein content.

Start by thoroughly washing the quinoa until the water runs clear and then soak in water for about 30 minutes. Once the quinoa is soaked drain the water and let it sit in a strainer. Also, drain 2 cups of home cooked chickpeas or 1 can of cooked chickpeas and allow it sit in the strainer to drain any excess water.

To a heated pan add the olive oil, onion, carrots and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Adding salt to the onions and carrots will release its moisture and help it cook faster so please don’t skip it. Fry on medium to medium-high heat until it's golden brown. You will notice the quantity of the carrots and onions have shrunk in half. Add the chopped garlic and fry for about 2 minutes or until fragrant. Add the spices (Turmeric, Ground Coriander, Ground Cumin, Cayenne Pepper) and fry for a few seconds. Then add the tomato puree or passata, chopped tomatoes, salt to taste and fry for about 3 minutes or until the tomatoes break down completely and form a thick paste.

Add the chopped spinach. Mix well and allow the spinach to wilt, it will take 1 minute or so. Then add the soaked quinoa, COOKED chickpeas, vegetable broth/stock and mix well. Bring it to a vigorous boil. Then cover the lid and reduce the heat to low. Cook on low heat for about 20 to 25 minutes or until the quinoa is cooked.

Once the quinoa is cooked, uncover the pan. Increase the heat to medium or medium-high flame and fry for about 2 to 3 minutes while stirring frequently to cook out the excess moisture. Turn off the stove. Add freshly ground black pepper and a drizzle of olive oil. Mix well. Serve hot.

Cooking Techniques

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