Veggie Quinoa Bowl

Whether it is a post-workout meal or a Meatless Monday option, this Veggie Quinoa Bowl hits the spot. Packed with protein, fiber, and antioxidants, it is as delicious as it is healthy! Quinoa is known for being a complete protein, meaning that it contains all nine essential amino acids. This makes it a perfect option for those following a vegetarian or vegan diet.

Pair it with sweet potato and get ready for the ultimate superfood to fuel your body. It is not only filling, but it is also full of vitamins and minerals. Sweet potatoes are great for energy because they are high in complex carbohydrates, which digest slowly and provide a steady stream of energy throughout the day. Give your body the nutrients it needs with this delicious and healthy Veggie Quinoa Bowl.

See, How To Cook Quinoa? Jamaican Quinoa And Peas and Jollof Quinoa.

What Is Quinoa?

Quinoa is a seed that is native to South America and is high in protein and fiber. It is great a source of complete protein, meaning that it contains all nine essential amino acids that our body needs. Quinoa is also gluten-free, making it a great option for those with celiac disease or gluten intolerance. Adding this to your diet is a great way to get the nutrients you need and fill your body with energy.

Quinoa is also very versatile and you can use it in sweet or savory dishes. You try different things with it and make it your own. Also, Quinoa is very easy to cook, you can either cook it on the stovetop or in the microwave. You can make a simple side dish with just quinoa, salt, and pepper, or you can add any other ingredients you want to make something more complex.

Why Will You Like The Veggie Quinoa Bowl?

If you’re a fan of healthy, plant-based meals that pack plenty of flavors, the Veggie Quinoa Bowl is for you, here are some of the reasons why The Veggie Quinoa Bowl is

1. It’s extremely healthy: Quinoa is rich in protein and fiber, so you’ll have plenty of energy to get through your day. And most importantly, it’s dairy-free, so it’s a great option for vegans or those who are lactose intolerant. So you can still follow a vegan meal with all the nutrients you need.
2. It’s packed with flavor: The Veggie Quinoa Bowl is full of tasty veggies like tomatoes, spinach, and peppers. They’re sautéed in lightly spiced olive oil and tossed with fresh basil for an extra dose of flavor. So you get the fantastic health benefits of each ingredient, but it still tastes great.
3. It’s perfect for meal prep: With so many tasty ingredients and flavors, the Veggie Quinoa Bowl makes a fantastic make-ahead dish. You can easily prepare it on Sunday night for the week ahead, or you can pack it up in individual containers to take with you to work or school. No matter how you eat it, you’ll love the Veggie Quinoa Bowl.
4. It’s Filling: This bowl is a complete meal in one. It’s got quinoa, vegetables, and even a little bit of protein from the chickpeas. It’s full of fiber and other nutrients, so it’s sure to keep you satisfied until your next meal. You will feel energized and not bloated after eating this bowl.
5. It’s Easy to Make: The Veggie Quinoa Bowl is a simple, yet delicious, a meal that can be made in under 20 minutes. Even if you’re a beginner cook, you’ll be able to make this dish with ease. Plus, it’s a one-pot meal, so cleanup will be a breeze. If you’re looking for easy vegan meals, the Veggie Quinoa Bowl is for you.
6. It’s Versatile: The Veggie Quinoa Bowl is a great base recipe that can be customized to your liking. If you’re not a fan of spinach, you can use kale or Swiss chard. Don’t like chickpeas? Swap them out for black beans or lentils. And if you want to add some protein, you can always top it with grilled chicken or shrimp. The possibilities are endless, so feel free to get creative and keep experimenting with them.
7. Perfect for lunch: The Veggie Quinoa Bowl is the perfect meal to enjoy for lunch. It’s light, yet filling, and it will give you the energy you need to power through your afternoon. Plus, it’s easy to make ahead of time, so you can always have a healthy lunch ready to go.

How To Prepare Veggie Quinoa Bowl?

So now that we know one or two things about Veggie Quinoa Bowl, let’s see how can we make it!

Ingredients

• Sweet Potato – you can follow instructions for How To Baked Sweet Potato or Air Fryer Bake Sweet Potato.
• Cooked Quinoa – see How To Cook Quinoa
• Black Beans – see How To Cook Canned Black Beans
• Frozen Corn – How To Cook Frozen Corn.
• Bell peppers – heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat, add bell pepper strips, and cook until edges are golden brown.
• Guacamole – see,  the Vegan Guacamole recipe
• Lettuce
• Cilantro leaves to Garnish

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 400ºF.
2. Next, you have to line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set it aside.
3. Scrub sweet potato, poke with a fork, and roast in the oven until soft and tender.
4. Remove all the ingredients from the oven and set them aside.
5. When cool to handle peel and chop into bite-sized pieces.
6. Divide cooked quinoa into half and add to the base of two bowls,
7. Top with sweet potatoes, black beans, corn, lettuce, guacamole, and cilantro.

Nutritional value

• Calories: 282 kcal
• Protein: 13.3g
• Carbohydrates: 34.9g
• Sugars: 2.8g
• Fat: 10.8g
• Vitamin C: 25.9mg
• Calcium: 280.6mg
• Iron: 6.2mg

Extra Tips

• You can use any type of quinoa you like for this recipe, white, red, or black.
• If you want to make this dish ahead of time, cook the quinoa and sweet potatoes in advance. Store in the fridge and then assemble when you’re ready to eat.
• Don’t like black beans? Feel free to swap them for chickpeas or cooked lentils instead.
• For a spicy kick, try adding some diced jalapeno or a dash of hot sauce to the quinoa mixture before assembly.
• Top with your favorite hot sauce or salsa for extra flavor.
• Serve with a side of tortilla chips for a complete meal.
• You also add other veggies like cherry tomatoes, red onion, or green onion to make it more colorful.
• If you want to make this dish gluten-free, be sure to use certified gluten-free quinoa.

Variations Of Veggie Quinoa Bowl

Quinoa is a versatile ingredient, so you can mix and match ingredients in your Veggie Quinoa Bowl to suit your tastes. Here are some of the variations of the Veggie Quinoa Bowl you can try.

1. Mexicali Veggie Quinoa Bowl: This variation features ingredients such as hot sauce, diced tomatoes, and black olives. It’s ideal for those who like their food with a bit of a kick. And since it’s a bit on the spicy side, it’s perfect for serving at parties or potlucks. You can even make it as a healthy appetizer for your guests to start with.
2. Japanese Veggie Quinoa Bowl: This variation is perfect for fans of Asian flavors. In addition to quinoa, you’ll need rice vinegar, soy sauce, tofu, and green onion to make this dish. It’s a great way to get some extra protein into your diet, and it’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser no matter what your guests’ tastes may be.
3. Quinoa with Roasted Veggies: This variation is perfect for those who love their veggies. You’ll need roasted sweet potatoes, carrots, and Brussels sprouts to make this dish. The roasting process brings out the natural sweetness of the vegetables, and the quinoa provides a perfect balance of flavor.
4. Quinoa with Spinach and Artichokes: This variation is another great option for those who love their veggies. The spinach and artichokes provide a healthy dose of vitamins and minerals, and the quinoa gives the dish a filling and satisfying texture.
5. Quinoa with Black Beans and Corn: Do you need more reasons to love this dish? This variation is perfect for those who want a hearty and filling meal. The black beans and corn provide plenty of protein and fiber, and the quinoa gives the dish a filling and satisfying texture.
6. Quinoa with Mushrooms and Peppers: Just like quinoa, mushrooms are also very versatile. You can use any type of mushrooms you like for this dish. The peppers add a touch of sweetness and color to the dish, and the quinoa gives it a filling and satisfying texture.

How To Store The Leftovers?

If you have any leftover quinoa bowls, you can store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. To prevent the ingredients from drying out, try adding a little bit of olive oil or your favorite dressing to the bowl before storing.

Alternatively, you can freeze any leftovers that won’t be eaten within that timeframe. Simply place the quinoa bowls in a freezer-safe container and store them in the freezer for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to eat, simply thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop.

What Should I Serve With This Veggie Quinoa Bowl?

There are endless possibilities when it comes to sides that go well with this dish, here are some of the main ones that you can try:

• A simple green salad
• A fruit salad
• Roasted potatoes
• Sautéed vegetables
• Baked beans
• Mashed potatoes
• Macaroni and cheese

What Type Of Quinoa Should I Use?

You can use any type of quinoa you prefer for this dish. However, we recommend using white or red quinoa for best results. Both varieties are flavorful, cook quickly, and have a nice nutty texture that pairs perfectly with the other ingredients in this veggie quinoa bowl.

Is Quinoa Good For Your Health?

Yes, quinoa is very healthy and nutritious. It is rich in fiber, protein, vitamins, and minerals, making it an excellent addition to any diet. As a complex carbohydrate, it can help regulate blood sugar levels and prevent spikes or crashes in energy throughout the day.

Quinoa also contains phytonutrients that are essential for overall health and wellbeing. Some of the main ones include flavonoids, phenols, and saponins. Overall, quinoa is a great choice for anyone looking to eat a healthier diet or add more protein and fiber to their meals.

Is Quinoa Easy To Cook?

Yes, quinoa is very easy to cook. It can be cooked on the stovetop, in the microwave, or even in a rice cooker. The cooking time will vary depending on the method you choose, but it is generally very quick and easy. You don’t need any special skills or equipment to cook quinoa, so it is a great choice for beginner cooks.

Other Quinoa Recipes To Try

Here are some other quinoa recipes you can try

• Curry Quinoa Broccoli Recipe
• Turmeric Quinoa
• 25 Quinoa Recipes
• Vegan Kimchi Fried Quinoa
• Instant Pot Quinoa

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