Quinoa with Bell Peppers
A light and flavorful side dish featuring fluffy quinoa cooked with vibrant bell peppers and onions in a savory vegetable broth. This simple, oil-free recipe is perfect for a healthy lunch or dinner accompaniment.
For 4 servings
Prepare the quinoa
- Place the quinoa in a fine-mesh sieve.
- Rinse thoroughly under cold running water for about 30 seconds to remove the natural saponin coating, which can taste bitter.
- Drain well and set aside.
Sauté the vegetables
- Place a medium saucepan or pot over medium heat.
- Add the diced onion and 2 tablespoons of vegetable broth. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until the onion softens and becomes translucent.
- Add the minced garlic and diced bell peppers. Cook for another 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the peppers are tender-crisp.
- If the pan gets dry, add another tablespoon of broth to prevent sticking.
Cook the quinoa
- Add the rinsed quinoa, the remaining vegetable broth, ground cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper to the pot with the vegetables.
- Stir everything together and bring the mixture to a boil.
- Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid, and let it simmer for 15 minutes, or until all the liquid has been absorbed.
Rest and finish
- Remove the pot from the heat and let it stand, covered, for 5 minutes. Do not lift the lid during this time.
- After resting, uncover the pot and fluff the quinoa gently with a fork.
- Stir in the freshly chopped cilantro.
- Serve warm as a side dish.
What to keep in mind.
4 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Don't skip rinsing the quinoa; it's crucial for removing any bitterness.
- 2For extra flavor, you can toast the dry, rinsed quinoa in the pot for 1-2 minutes before adding the broth.
- 3Feel free to add other vegetables like corn, peas, or diced carrots along with the bell peppers.
- 4Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Adapt it for your goals.
High protein
Stir in 1 can of rinsed and drained black beans or chickpeas at the end for a protein boost.
quickQuick
Use pre-diced onions and peppers to save on prep time.
kid friendlyKid friendly
Use finely diced vegetables and add a cup of sweet corn to make it more appealing to children.
healthyHealthy
Add a handful of fresh spinach during the last 2 minutes of cooking for extra nutrients.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Complete Protein Source
Quinoa contains all nine essential amino acids, making it a complete protein, which is excellent for muscle repair and overall body function.
Rich in Fiber
The combination of quinoa and vegetables provides a high amount of dietary fiber, which aids digestion, promotes satiety, and helps regulate blood sugar levels.
Packed with Vitamins
Bell peppers are an excellent source of Vitamin C, an antioxidant that supports the immune system, and Vitamin A, which is important for vision and skin health.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, it is very healthy. Quinoa is a complete protein and a good source of fiber, while bell peppers provide vitamins A and C. This oil-free version is low in fat and calories, making it an excellent choice for a balanced diet.