Are you ready to elevate your weeknight dinners with a dish that’s not only bursting with flavor but also packed with nutrients? Dive into our Garlicky Quinoa Bowls with Broccoli and Chickpeas—a vibrant, wholesome meal that comes together in just 30 minutes! This recipe is a delightful fusion of textures and tastes, featuring fluffy quinoa, crispy chickpeas, and tender broccoli, all infused with the irresistible aroma of garlic. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a kitchen novice, this easy-to-follow recipe will have you impressing your family and friends in no time. Get ready to savor a bowl of goodness that will leave you craving more!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 2 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup quinoa
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 1 can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Rinse the quinoa thoroughly under cold water using a fine-mesh strainer to remove any bitter coating.
- In a medium saucepan, combine the rinsed quinoa with 2 cups of water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes or until water is absorbed and quinoa is fluffy.
- While the quinoa is cooking, prepare the broccoli and chickpeas. Wash the broccoli florets and pat them dry with a clean kitchen towel.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30-45 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
- Add the drained and rinsed chickpeas to the skillet. Cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they start to become slightly crispy.
- Add broccoli florets to the skillet with the chickpeas. Season with salt and pepper. Sauté for 4-5 minutes until broccoli is bright green and tender-crisp.
- Once quinoa is cooked, fluff with a fork and season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Divide the quinoa between two bowls, top evenly with the garlic-roasted chickpeas and broccoli.
- Serve immediately while hot, optionally garnishing with additional herbs or a squeeze of lemon juice if desired.
Tips
- Rinse the Quinoa: Don’t skip rinsing the quinoa! This step removes its natural coating called saponin, which can impart a bitter taste. Use a fine-mesh strainer to ensure all the grains are well washed.
- Perfectly Cooked Quinoa: For perfectly fluffy quinoa, make sure to let it simmer on low heat and avoid lifting the lid during cooking. After it’s done, fluff it gently with a fork for the best texture.
- Customize Your Veggies: Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers or spinach for added color and nutrition. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly to keep everything tender-crisp.
- Crispy Chickpeas: For extra crunch, consider roasting the chickpeas in the oven instead of sautéing them. Toss them with a little olive oil and your favorite spices, then bake at 400°F (200°C) for about 20 minutes.
- Garnish for Flavor: A squeeze of fresh lemon juice or a sprinkle of your favorite herbs like parsley or cilantro can elevate the dish and add a refreshing touch.
- Meal Prep Friendly: This recipe is perfect for meal prep! Make a larger batch and store it in the fridge for up to 4 days. Just reheat and enjoy!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 380kcal
Carbohydrates: 55g
Protein: 15g
Fat: 14g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 0mg
