Imagine a meal that transports you to the vibrant streets of Spain with just one bite - a dish so simple yet so incredibly delicious that it will become your new go-to comfort food. This Easy Spanish Quinoa Chickpeas recipe is not just a meal; it's a culinary adventure that combines protein-packed quinoa, hearty chickpeas, and a symphony of Spanish-inspired flavors that will make your taste buds dance with joy. Whether you're a busy professional, a health-conscious foodie, or someone who loves exploring international cuisines, this recipe promises to deliver maximum flavor with minimal effort.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: Spanish
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup quinoa
- 1 can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Rinse quinoa thoroughly in a fine-mesh strainer under cold water to remove any bitter coating, then drain well.
- Heat a large skillet or saucepan over medium heat. Add a small amount of olive oil and sauté chopped onions until they become translucent and slightly golden, approximately 3-4 minutes.
- Add minced garlic and diced red bell pepper to the skillet, cooking for an additional 2 minutes until the vegetables become fragrant and slightly softened.
- Sprinkle smoked paprika over the vegetables, stirring to evenly distribute the spice and release its aromatic qualities.
- Add the rinsed quinoa to the skillet and stir to combine with the vegetables, toasting the quinoa for about 1-2 minutes to enhance its nutty flavor.
- Pour vegetable broth into the skillet, bringing the mixture to a gentle boil. Reduce heat to low, cover the pan, and simmer for approximately 15 minutes or until quinoa is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid.
- Gently fold in the drained and rinsed chickpeas, allowing them to warm through for 2-3 minutes.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste, stirring to ensure even distribution of seasonings.
- Remove from heat and let the dish rest, covered, for 5 minutes to allow flavors to meld and quinoa to fully absorb remaining moisture.
- Fluff the quinoa with a fork before serving, and optionally garnish with fresh parsley or a squeeze of lemon juice for added brightness.
Tips
- Quinoa Rinsing is Crucial: Always rinse quinoa thoroughly to remove the natural saponin coating, which can give a bitter taste. Use a fine-mesh strainer and rinse under cold water for best results.
- Toasting Technique: When adding quinoa to the skillet, take an extra minute to toast it. This step enhances its nutty flavor and adds depth to the overall dish.
- Liquid Ratio Matters: Use a 2:1 ratio of vegetable broth to quinoa for perfectly cooked, fluffy quinoa every time.
- Spice Customization: While smoked paprika provides authentic Spanish flavor, feel free to experiment with other spices like cumin or Spanish saffron for variation.
- Vegetable Freshness: Use fresh, crisp bell peppers and onions for the best texture and flavor profile.
- Chickpea Pro Tip: Pat chickpeas dry after rinsing to ensure they warm through nicely without becoming mushy.
- Resting Period: Don't skip the 5-minute resting period after cooking - this allows flavors to meld and quinoa to absorb remaining moisture.
- Serving Suggestions: Garnish with fresh parsley, a squeeze of lemon, or even a dollop of Greek yogurt for added creaminess.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 52g
Protein: 14g
Fat: 8g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Cholesterol: 0mg
