Five or More Ingredient Garlic Quinoa
Brighten up your table with this simple yet flavorful recipe for Five or More Ingredient Garlic Quinoa! This gluten-free, plant-based dish combines tender quinoa simmered in vegetable broth with sautéed garlic and wilted spinach, creating a nutrient-packed base bursting with savory aromas. A splash of fresh lemon juice and a hint of red pepper flakes add a zesty, spicy kick, while minimal prep and cook time make it perfect for busy weeknights. Serve it warm as a hearty side dish or a wholesome light main course, and don’t forget to garnish with fresh herbs for an extra layer of freshness. Packed with protein, fiber, and bold flavors, this garlic quinoa recipe is an easy go-to for anyone looking for a quick, healthy, and delicious meal idea!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 1 cup quinoa
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic cloves, minced
- 2 cups spinach, fresh
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice, freshly squeezed
- 0.5 teaspoons salt
- 0.25 teaspoons black pepper, freshly ground
- 0.25 teaspoons red pepper flakes
Instructions
Rinse the quinoa under cold water in a fine-mesh sieve to remove its natural bitterness. Drain well.
In a medium saucepan, bring the vegetable broth to a boil over medium-high heat. Add the quinoa, reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes or until the quinoa has absorbed all the liquid and becomes tender.
While the quinoa is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
Add the fresh spinach to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes until wilted, stirring occasionally.
Once the quinoa is cooked, fluff it with a fork and then add it directly into the skillet with the garlic and spinach mixture.
Drizzle the lemon juice over the quinoa mixture and season with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Stir well to combine all the flavors.
Remove from heat and serve the garlic quinoa warm as a side dish or a light main course. Optionally, garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
1143 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 46.6 g | 60% | |
| Saturated Fat | 5.4 g | 27% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 4.8 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% | |
| Sodium | 4430 mg | 193% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 136.0 g | 49% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 13.2 g | 47% | |
| Total Sugars | 9.2 g | ||
| Protein | 45.3 g | 91% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 394 mg | 30% | |
| Iron | 11.9 mg | 66% | |
| Potassium | 2996 mg | 64% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
