Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 cup quinoa
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 1 can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 cucumber, diced
- 1/2 red onion, diced
- 1/2 cup kalamata olives, sliced
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh mint, chopped
- 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1/4 cup lemon juice
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Special equipment needed:
- Large mixing bowl
- Fine mesh strainer
- Saucepan with lid
- Fork
- Cutting board
- Chef's knife
Step-by-step instructions:
1. Rinse quinoa in a fine mesh strainer and add to a saucepan with vegetable broth. Bring to a boil, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes until all liquid is absorbed.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine cooked quinoa, chickpeas, red bell pepper, cucumber, red onion, kalamata olives, parsley, mint, and feta cheese.
3. In a small bowl, whisk together lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Pour over quinoa mixture and toss to combine.
4. Divide quinoa mixture into bowls and serve.
- Time:
Preparation time: 10 minutes
- Cooking time: 20 minutes
Temperature:
- N/A
Serving size:
- 4 servings
Nutritional information:
- Calories: 385
- Fat: 19g
- Carbohydrates: 43g
- Fiber: 9g
- Protein: 13g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Quinoa can be substituted with brown rice or couscous.
- Chickpeas can be substituted with black beans or lentils.
- Red bell pepper can be substituted with yellow or orange bell pepper.
- Kalamata olives can be substituted with green olives or capers.
- Feta cheese can be substituted with goat cheese or blue cheese.
Variations:
- Add roasted cherry tomatoes or grilled eggplant for extra flavor.
- Substitute lemon juice with balsamic vinegar for a different taste.
- Add grilled chicken or shrimp for extra protein.
Tips and tricks:
- Rinse quinoa before cooking to remove any bitterness.
- Use vegetable broth instead of water for extra flavor.
- Chop vegetables into small, bite-sized pieces for easy eating.
- Add dressing to quinoa mixture while it's still warm for better absorption.
Storage instructions:
- Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating instructions:
- Microwave for 1-2 minutes or until heated through.
Presentation ideas:
- Serve in a large bowl and garnish with extra herbs and feta cheese.
Garnishes:
- Fresh parsley, mint, or basil
- Crumbled feta cheese
- Lemon wedges
Pairings:
- Serve with a side of pita bread or naan.
Suggested side dishes:
- Greek salad
- Hummus and vegetables
- Tzatziki sauce and pita bread
Troubleshooting advice:
- If quinoa is too dry, add a splash of vegetable broth or olive oil.
- If quinoa is too wet, let it sit uncovered for a few minutes to absorb any excess liquid.
Food safety advice:
- Make sure to rinse all vegetables before using.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator and consume within 3 days.
Food history:
- The Mediterranean diet is based on the traditional foods that people used to eat in countries like Greece and Italy.
Flavor profiles:
- This dish is savory, tangy, and fresh with a combination of herbs, vegetables, and feta cheese.
Serving suggestions:
- Serve as a main dish for lunch or dinner.
Related Categories
Cooking Method: N/A
Course Type: N/A
Dietary: N/A
Ingredient: N/A
Meal type: N/A
Occassion: N/A
Region: N/A