Are you ready to transform your ordinary meal into a vibrant culinary adventure? This mouthwatering Mediterranean-inspired dish is about to revolutionize your dinner routine! Imagine sweet, charred bell peppers mingling with fluffy quinoa, protein-packed garbanzo beans, and briny olives - a symphony of flavors that will transport your taste buds straight to the sunny coastlines of the Mediterranean. Whether you're a health-conscious foodie or just craving something extraordinary, this recipe promises to be your new obsession.
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 50 mins
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 2 red bell peppers
- 2 yellow bell peppers
- 1 cup quinoa
- 1 can garbanzo beans, drained and rinsed
- 1/2 cup black olives, sliced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (218°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Wash the red and yellow bell peppers thoroughly. Cut each pepper in half, removing seeds and membranes. Slice peppers into uniform 1-inch wide strips.
- Place pepper strips on the prepared baking sheet. Drizzle with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, then season with salt and pepper. Toss to coat evenly.
- Roast peppers in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, turning once halfway through, until edges are slightly charred and peppers are tender.
- While peppers are roasting, rinse quinoa in a fine-mesh strainer. Combine quinoa with 2 cups of water in a medium saucepan.
- Bring quinoa to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes until water is absorbed and quinoa is fluffy.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine cooked quinoa, drained garbanzo beans, and sliced black olives.
- Add roasted peppers to the quinoa mixture. Drizzle with remaining olive oil and gently toss to combine.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper as needed.
- Serve warm or at room temperature as a hearty Mediterranean-style salad or side dish.
Tips
- Choose peppers that are firm and vibrant in color for the best roasting results.
- Use parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup a breeze.
- For extra flavor, try adding a sprinkle of smoked paprika or dried herbs like oregano.
- Let the peppers cool slightly before mixing with quinoa to prevent overcooking.
- This dish can be prepared ahead of time and tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld.
- For a protein boost, consider adding crumbled feta cheese or grilled chicken.
- Ensure quinoa is fluffy by letting it rest, covered, for 5 minutes after cooking.
- Use high-quality extra virgin olive oil for the most authentic Mediterranean taste.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 10g
Fat: 9g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 0mg
