Moroccan Style Quinoa
Transform your weeknight dinner with this vibrant Moroccan Style Quinoa recipe, a wholesome dish that combines fragrant spices, sweet dried fruits, and crunchy toasted almonds for a perfectly balanced flavor profile. This gluten-free and protein-rich option features fluffy quinoa infused with warm spices like cumin, cinnamon, turmeric, and paprika, complemented by the natural sweetness of apricots and raisins. A zesty finish of lemon juice and fresh parsley adds brightness, making it an ideal choice for a light main course or a flavorful side dish. Ready in just 30 minutes, this healthy recipe is as quick and easy as it is delicious, and it’s sure to bring a taste of Morocco to your table. Perfect for meal prep, dinner parties, or simply elevating your everyday menu!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 1 cup quinoa
- 2 cups water
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 0.5 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 0.5 teaspoons ground turmeric
- 0.5 teaspoons paprika
- 0.5 cup dried apricots, chopped
- 0.25 cup raisins or golden raisins
- 0.25 cup slivered almonds, toasted
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 0.5 teaspoons salt
- 0.25 teaspoons black pepper
Instructions
Rinse the quinoa thoroughly under cold water using a fine-mesh strainer to remove its natural bitterness.
In a medium saucepan, combine quinoa and water. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes or until the quinoa has absorbed all the water. Remove from heat and let it sit, covered, for 5 minutes, then fluff with a fork.
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes, or until softened.
Stir in the minced garlic, ground cumin, cinnamon, turmeric, and paprika. Cook for 1 minute, stirring frequently, until the spices are fragrant.
Add the chopped dried apricots and raisins to the skillet. Stir well to combine and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes to warm the fruits.
Add the cooked quinoa to the skillet and stir to evenly coat it with the spiced onion-fruit mixture.
Remove the skillet from heat. Stir in the toasted slivered almonds, chopped fresh parsley, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper. Adjust seasoning to taste if necessary.
Serve warm as a main dish or a side. Garnish with additional parsley or almonds if desired.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
1398 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 56.3 g | 72% | |
| Saturated Fat | 5.5 g | 28% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2.7 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% | |
| Sodium | 2406 mg | 105% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 199.2 g | 72% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 15.0 g | 54% | |
| Total Sugars | 81.4 g | ||
| Protein | 35.6 g | 71% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 273 mg | 21% | |
| Iron | 11.9 mg | 66% | |
| Potassium | 1785 mg | 38% | |
*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.
