Fast and Flavorful Quinoa Dishes Ready in No Time
Quinoa is a versatile and quick-cooking grain that makes a perfect base for fast and flavorful meals. Whether you’re looking for a simple side dish or a complete meal, quinoa can be prepared easily and combined with a variety of ingredients to suit your taste. Here’s a straightforward recipe that uses an air fryer to speed up the process and keep things delicious.
Ingredients
- 1 cup quinoa, rinsed
- 1 ¾ cups water or vegetable broth
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup diced bell peppers (any color)
- 1 small red onion, finely chopped
- 1 cup canned black beans, drained and rinsed
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh cilantro or parsley for garnish
- Optional: juice of ½ lime
Steps
- Start by cooking the quinoa. Combine the rinsed quinoa and water or broth in a small pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 15 minutes until the liquid is absorbed. Remove from heat and let it sit covered for 5 minutes, then fluff with a fork.
- While the quinoa cooks, preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
- In a mixing bowl, toss the cherry tomatoes, diced bell peppers, and red onion with olive oil, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Place the seasoned vegetables in the air fryer basket. Air fry for 8-10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even cooking. The vegetables should be tender and slightly caramelized.
- Once the vegetables are done, combine them with the cooked quinoa and black beans in a large bowl. Mix well.
- Add lime juice if using, and adjust salt and pepper to taste.
- Garnish with fresh cilantro or parsley before serving.
Tips and Variations
- For extra protein, add cooked chicken, shrimp, or tofu to the dish.
- Swap black beans for chickpeas or kidney beans depending on your preference.
- Try adding a handful of fresh spinach or kale after cooking for added greens.
- Mix in some crumbled feta or shredded cheese for a creamy touch.
- If you don’t have an air fryer, you can roast the vegetables in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes.
- Use flavored olive oils or add a dash of chili flakes for a spicier kick.
