Go Back
Bowl of colorful and nutritious Spanish quinoa with vegetables and spices

Quick and Easy Spanish Quinoa

This vibrant and flavorful Spanish quinoa dish is a healthy and simple meal, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a satisfying side.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 people
Course: Main Dish, Side Dish
Cuisine: Spanish
Calories: 320
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 1 cup Quinoa uncooked, rinsed
  • 2 cups Vegetable broth
  • 1 tbsp Olive oil
  • 1/2 Onion small, diced
  • 2 cloves Garlic minced
  • 1/2 Red bell pepper diced
  • 1 can Canned diced tomatoes 14.5 oz, undrained
  • 2 tbsp Tomato paste
  • 1 tsp Smoked paprika
  • 1/2 tsp Cumin
  • 1/2 tsp Salt or to taste
  • 1/4 tsp Black pepper or to taste
  • 1/4 cup Fresh cilantro chopped, for garnish

Equipment

  • Medium pot
  • Skillet
  • Cutting board
  • Knife
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Spatula or wooden spoon

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Heat olive oil in a medium pot or deep skillet over medium heat, then add diced onion and bell pepper and sauté for 5-7 minutes until softened.
  2. Stir in minced garlic, smoked paprika, and cumin, cooking for 1 minute until fragrant.
  3. Add the rinsed quinoa, undrained diced tomatoes, tomato paste, vegetable broth, salt, and pepper to the pot, stirring to combine.
  4. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes, or until all liquid is absorbed and quinoa is fluffy.
  5. Remove from heat and let stand, covered, for 5 minutes before fluffing with a fork; garnish with fresh cilantro and serve hot.

Notes

For extra flavor, use vegetable broth instead of water. You can also add a pinch of saffron for an authentic Spanish touch. This dish pairs well with grilled chicken or fish.