What To Cook: One-Pot Quinoa Dinner
With steamed broccoli, Feta cheese, toasty pine nuts and lemon
Posted February 4th, 2013 by noelle | 4 Comments »
Over the last few weeks, I’ve been experimenting with a few different one-pot meal ideas. This one, made with protein-rich quinoa, particularly stood out to me. It’s quick, delicious and easy to make — and it has a vibrant finish that I just love. This week I chose to take a slightly different approach to this dish by incorporating some finely chopped broccoli, a handful of creamy feta and a few baby spinach leaves to keep the mood of the dish light and fresh. I can’t get enough of it. Let me know if you feel the same way. – Noelle
One-Pot Quinoa Dinner
Serving Size: 1 (550 calories per serving)
I’ve been making this meal for one, but it doubles and triples beautifully.
Ingredients
1 cup water
1/2 cup broccoli, finely chopped
2 tablespoons pine nuts, toasted
1/4 lemon
2 ounces good Feta cheese
handful baby spinach, finely chopped
sea salt, pepper
Better-for-you ingredients
Learn more about the better-for-you ingredients in this recipe:
- Quinoa – Quinoa (KEEN-wah) is actually not a grain but a type of seed. It provides a complete protein, making it a popular staple in veggie-focused diets. Quinoa contains ~6 grams of protein per 1/4 cup serving. Health beauties often swap in quinoa for rice in many recipes. Learn more here.
Directions
Bring water to a boil in a covered pot. Add the quinoa, cover, and lower the heat until it is just enough to maintain a simmer. Let simmer for 5-6 minutes. Add the broccoli and re-cover. Turn off the heat and allow to steam for 5 more minutes.
When the quinoa and broccoli are done, fluff, add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice, sea salt, pepper, and pine nuts. Place into a bowl, fold in a few leaves of tender baby spinach (finely chopped). Top with creamy cubes of Feta cheese. Enjoy immediately!
More Feel-Good Recipes
Over the past few years, I’ve noticed that I just feel better when I make the effort to eat more wholesome meals. You know the kind….meals made with whole grains, fresh vegetables and vibrant lettuces–the sort of foods that you might find at a spa. If you too are looking for a little recipe inspiration and a healthy boost this week give some of these recipes a try.
- Sweet Acorn Squash Bowl With Spices (A perfect mid-week meal)
- Warm Sage Vegetable Burgers
- Toasty Quinoa “Meatballs”
Fern
added 3 months, 2 weeks ago
FYI, On the recipe card for One-Pot Quinoa Dinner, there is no mention of kale, although in the first paragraph prefacing the recipe, it refers to kale being in the meal. Thanks, Fern
noelle
added 3 months, 2 weeks ago
Ah, thank you! Yes, it was in reference to the original recipe. I clarified this. Thanks again Fern. Tell me what you think, if you get a chance to throw it together….I love this meal! – Noelle
priscilla
added 3 months, 2 weeks ago
Do you soak the quinoa first? And what do you think of adding nutritional yeast instead of feta (for those avoiding dairy)
noelle
added 3 months, 2 weeks ago
I generally rinse my quinoa before I cook it, but do not soak it. Many people I know soak it first because they believe it adds to the light, nutty flavor of the quinoa. I think it still tastes great without a soak (and it’s safe to eat). Also I think nutritional yeast (instead of the Feta) would be great!