Are you tired of boring, time-consuming vegetarian meals that leave you hungry and unsatisfied? Get ready to revolutionize your weeknight dinner routine with this mouthwatering quinoa and chickpea power bowl that's not just healthy, but incredibly delicious! In just 40 minutes, you'll create a restaurant-worthy meal that's packed with protein, vibrant vegetables, and explosive flavors that will make you forget you're eating something nutritious.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: International
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 can chickpeas, drained
- 1 zucchini, diced
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 1 cup quinoa
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Rinse quinoa thoroughly under cold water using a fine-mesh strainer to remove any bitter coating.
- In a medium saucepan, combine quinoa and vegetable broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-18 minutes until liquid is absorbed and quinoa is fluffy.
- While quinoa cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced bell peppers and zucchini, sautéing for 5-6 minutes until vegetables are slightly tender but still crisp.
- Add drained chickpeas to the skillet, sprinkle with cumin, salt, and pepper. Cook for an additional 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating.
- Once quinoa is cooked, fluff with a fork and let stand covered for 5 minutes to rest.
- Plate the quinoa as a base, top with the vegetable and chickpea mixture. Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro if desired.
- Serve immediately while warm, and optionally drizzle with additional olive oil or a squeeze of lemon juice for extra flavor.
Tips
- Always rinse quinoa thoroughly to remove the natural bitter coating called saponin, which can make your dish taste unpleasant.
- Use fresh, high-quality vegetable broth for maximum flavor infusion into your quinoa.
- Don't overcook your vegetables - keep them crisp and colorful to maintain nutritional value and texture.
- For extra protein, consider adding toasted nuts or seeds as a garnish.
- Experiment with different spices like smoked paprika or za'atar to customize the flavor profile.
- If you want a creamier texture, drizzle with tahini or Greek yogurt before serving.
- Meal prep tip: This recipe stores beautifully in the refrigerator for 3-4 days, making it perfect for quick lunches or dinners.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 15g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 0mg
