This Spanish quinoa recipe is a nutritious and flavorful dish that combines the goodness of quinoa with traditional Spanish ingredients. It’s cooked quickly in an Instant Pot, making it a convenient option for busy weeknights.
The recipe features a blend of spices, bell peppers, and tomatoes, creating a vibrant and satisfying meal that can be served as a main dish or a side.
Ingredients That Shine
The foundation of this Spanish quinoa dish lies in its vibrant ingredients.
Quinoa, a nutritious grain, serves as the base, providing a fluffy texture that absorbs the flavors of the accompanying vegetables and spices.
Colorful bell peppers and juicy tomatoes not only add visual appeal but also contribute essential nutrients and a burst of freshness to each bite.
Fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro offer a finishing touch, enhancing the dish’s aroma and taste.
Cooking Method
This recipe utilizes the Instant Pot, a modern kitchen tool that simplifies the cooking process.
Starting with a sauté of onions and bell peppers, the flavors begin to meld, creating a fragrant base.
Next, garlic and spices are introduced, infusing the mixture with warmth and depth.
Finally, the quinoa and tomatoes are added, followed by vegetable broth, which brings everything together for a quick pressure cook.
The result is a perfectly cooked quinoa that is both fluffy and flavorful.
Serving Suggestions
Once cooked, this Spanish quinoa can be served in a rustic bowl, showcasing its colorful ingredients.
Garnishing with fresh parsley adds a pop of green, making the dish visually appealing.
Pair it with a side of crusty bread or a light salad for a complete meal.
This dish works wonderfully as a main course or as a side, complementing various proteins or roasted vegetables.
Nutritional Benefits
This dish not only pleases the palate but also offers numerous health benefits.
Quinoa is a complete protein, providing all nine essential amino acids, making it an excellent choice for vegetarians and health-conscious eaters.
With a balance of carbohydrates, protein, and healthy fats, this dish is satisfying without being heavy.
The inclusion of vegetables boosts the fiber content, promoting digestive health.
Creating a Cozy Atmosphere
Presenting this dish in a rustic bowl on a wooden table adds to the warm and inviting atmosphere.
The natural textures and colors create a homely feel, perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings.
Setting the table with simple utensils and perhaps a glass of wine can enhance the overall dining experience, making it memorable.
Variations to Try
This recipe is versatile, allowing for various adaptations based on personal preferences or seasonal ingredients.
Consider adding black beans for extra protein or corn for sweetness.
Spice lovers might enjoy a kick of heat from jalapeños or a sprinkle of chili flakes.
Feel free to experiment with different herbs or spices to create your unique version of this delightful dish.
Quick and Easy Spanish Quinoa in the Instant Pot
This Spanish quinoa is prepared in the Instant Pot, allowing the quinoa to absorb the rich flavors of the spices and vegetables. The recipe takes about 25 minutes from start to finish and serves 4 people.
Ingredients
- 1 cup quinoa, rinsed
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, with juice
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon salt, adjust to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- Fresh parsley or cilantro for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Sauté Vegetables: Turn the Instant Pot to the sauté setting. Add olive oil, diced onion, and bell peppers. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes until the vegetables are softened.
- Add Garlic and Spices: Stir in the minced garlic, smoked paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper. Cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
- Add Quinoa and Tomatoes: Add the rinsed quinoa and diced tomatoes (with juice) to the pot. Stir well to combine.
- Add Broth: Pour in the vegetable broth and give it a gentle stir to ensure the quinoa is evenly distributed.
- Pressure Cook: Close the lid of the Instant Pot, set the valve to sealing, and cook on high pressure for 1 minute. Once the cooking time is complete, allow for a natural release for 10 minutes, then carefully release any remaining pressure.
- Fluff and Serve: Open the lid, fluff the quinoa with a fork, and garnish with fresh parsley or cilantro if desired. Serve warm.
Cook and Prep Times
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Servings: 4 servings
- Calories: 220kcal
- Fat: 5g
- Protein: 8g
- Carbohydrates: 36g