Looking for a dish that’s not only bursting with flavor but also packed with nutrition? Look no further! Our Balsamic Roasted Cauliflower and Mushroom Quinoa is the perfect vegetarian delight that will tantalize your taste buds and impress your dinner guests. With caramelized veggies, fluffy quinoa, and a tangy balsamic glaze, this recipe is an irresistible combination of textures and tastes. Ready in just 35 minutes, it’s a quick and easy way to elevate your weeknight meals. Dive into this delicious recipe and discover how simple it is to create a dish that’s as beautiful as it is delicious!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: Vegetarian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- Cauliflower
- Mushrooms
- Quinoa
- Balsamic vinegar
- Olive oil
- Garlic
- Salt
- Pepper
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This temperature is ideal for roasting vegetables, allowing them to become tender and caramelized.
- While the oven is preheating, rinse 1 cup of quinoa under cold water in a fine-mesh strainer to remove any bitterness. Then, in a medium saucepan, combine the rinsed quinoa with 2 cups of water or vegetable broth for added flavor. Bring it to a boil over medium-high heat.
- Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the saucepan, and let it simmer for about 15 minutes, or until the quinoa is fluffy and the liquid is absorbed. Remove from heat and let it sit, covered, for an additional 5 minutes.
- While the quinoa is cooking, prepare the vegetables. Cut 1 medium-sized cauliflower into bite-sized florets and slice 8 ounces of mushrooms (such as cremini or button mushrooms). Place the cauliflower and mushrooms on a large baking sheet.
- In a small bowl, whisk together 3 tablespoons of balsamic vinegar, 2 tablespoons of olive oil, 3 minced garlic cloves, and a pinch of salt and pepper to taste. This will be your marinade for the vegetables.
- Drizzle the balsamic mixture over the cauliflower and mushrooms, ensuring they are evenly coated. Toss the vegetables gently with your hands or a spatula to ensure all pieces are well coated.
- Spread the vegetables out in a single layer on the baking sheet to ensure even roasting. Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven.
- Roast the vegetables for about 20-25 minutes, or until they are tender and golden brown, stirring halfway through to promote even cooking.
- Once the quinoa is done resting, fluff it with a fork and season with a pinch of salt and pepper. You can also add a drizzle of olive oil or a squeeze of lemon juice for extra flavor, if desired.
- When the vegetables are finished roasting, remove them from the oven and allow them to cool slightly. Combine the roasted cauliflower and mushrooms with the cooked quinoa in a large serving bowl.
- Toss everything together gently to combine, and adjust seasoning if necessary. You can garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or basil for added flavor and color.
- Serve the Balsamic Roasted Cauliflower and Mushroom Quinoa warm as a main dish or a side. Enjoy your delicious and nutritious vegetarian meal!
Tips
- Choose the Right Mushrooms: For the best flavor, opt for cremini or shiitake mushrooms. They add a rich, earthy taste that pairs beautifully with the balsamic vinegar.
- Don’t Skip the Rinsing: Rinsing quinoa not only removes its natural bitterness but also helps it cook more evenly. Make sure to use a fine-mesh strainer to catch all the tiny grains.
- Roasting Technique: Make sure to spread the cauliflower and mushrooms in a single layer on the baking sheet. This allows them to roast evenly and achieve that perfect golden-brown color.
- Flavor Boost: For an extra layer of flavor, consider adding a squeeze of lemon juice or a sprinkle of your favorite herbs, like thyme or rosemary, to the roasted vegetables before serving.
- Meal Prep Friendly: This dish can be made ahead of time! Store the roasted vegetables and quinoa separately in the fridge, and combine them just before serving to keep everything fresh.
- Garnish for Presentation: A sprinkle of fresh herbs, such as parsley or basil, not only enhances the flavor but also adds a pop of color, making your dish visually appealing.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 10g
Fat: 9g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 0mg
