Elevate your weeknight dinners with Spiced Dried Fruit Quinoa, a vibrant and wholesome dish that blends aromatic spices, nutty quinoa, and a delightful mix of sweet dried fruits. Packed with warm cinnamon, cumin, and ginger, this recipe offers a fragrant base that perfectly complements the tangy cranberries and succulent apricots. Toasted slivered almonds add a satisfying crunch, while fresh parsley provides a burst of color and freshness. Ready in just 30 minutes, this dish is easy to prepare and ideal as a main course or side, making it a versatile option for healthy meal planning. Perfect for vegetarian or gluten-free diets, this recipe showcases the rich flavors of spiced quinoa paired with nutrient-dense ingredients for a meal that's as nourishing as it is delicious.
Rinse the quinoa thoroughly under cold water using a fine mesh strainer to remove its natural bitterness.
In a medium pot, combine the rinsed quinoa and 2 cups of water. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 15 minutes, or until the quinoa is tender and the water has been absorbed.
While the quinoa cooks, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Add the diced onion to the skillet and sauté for 3-4 minutes, or until soft and translucent.
Stir in the minced garlic, ground cinnamon, ground cumin, and ground ginger. Sauté for 1-2 minutes until the spices are fragrant.
Add the chopped dried apricots, dried cranberries, and vegetable broth to the skillet. Stir to combine and let simmer for 2-3 minutes, allowing the dried fruits to rehydrate slightly and soak up the flavors.
Once the quinoa is cooked, fluff it with a fork and transfer it to the skillet with the spiced fruit mixture.
Stir everything together until well combined. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
Add the toasted slivered almonds and mix gently. Reserve a few almonds for garnish if desired.
Transfer the spiced dried fruit quinoa to a serving dish and garnish with the chopped fresh parsley and reserved almonds.
Serve warm and enjoy!
Calories |
1160 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 44.2 g | 57% | |
| Saturated Fat | 3.6 g | 18% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 1.7 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% | |
| Sodium | 2684 mg | 117% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 158.8 g | 58% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 11.8 g | 42% | |
| Total Sugars | 40.2 g | ||
| Protein | 36.0 g | 72% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 219 mg | 17% | |
| Iron | 9.0 mg | 50% | |
| Potassium | 1117 mg | 24% | |
*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.