Herb Roasted Veggie Quinoa Skillet
Highlighted under: Healthy & Light
I love creating dishes that are not only healthy but also bursting with flavor, and this Herb Roasted Veggie Quinoa Skillet is a perfect example. With vibrant vegetables and aromatic herbs, it's a delightful one-pan meal that's energizing and satisfying. The nutty quinoa base pairs beautifully with the roasted veggies, making it a great option for lunch or dinner. Plus, it’s quick to make and can easily be customized based on whatever veggies you have on hand. Let's dive into this colorful skillet recipe!
When I first crafted this recipe, I wanted something that would highlight the freshness of seasonal vegetables, and roasting really brought out their flavors. I recall using a mix of bell peppers, zucchini, and carrots, and the aroma while roasting was simply divine. The quinoa absorbs the essence of the herbs, making each bite a taste of home!
Another detail I emphasize is the importance of cooking the quinoa in vegetable broth instead of water. This little trick enhances the taste and brings an extra layer of depth to your skillet dish. It's these subtleties that transform a simple meal into something extraordinary!
Why You'll Love this Recipe
- Aromatic herbs bring a burst of flavor with every bite
- Nutritious quinoa packed with protein and fiber
- Versatile and customizable with seasonal veggies
Ingredient Insights
Quinoa is the star of this dish, providing not only a nutty flavor but also a complete protein source, making it ideal for both vegetarian and non-vegetarian diets. Rinsing quinoa before cooking is crucial as it removes the saponins that can give it a bitter taste. I recommend giving it a good rinse under cold water until the water runs clear to ensure the best flavor and texture.
The choice of vegetables can greatly affect the dish's flavor profile and texture. For instance, adding sweet potatoes or butternut squash could introduce a subtle sweetness, while cruciferous vegetables like broccoli or Brussels sprouts offer a different texture and flavor. Feel free to swap in any seasonal or favorite veggies you have; just remember to adjust cooking times if using denser vegetables.
Roasting Techniques
Achieving perfectly roasted vegetables is all about temperature and timing. Preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C) allows for a quick caramelization that brings out the natural sugars in the vegetables. Arrange the veggies in a single layer on the baking sheet to ensure even roasting; overcrowding can lead to steaming, which won’t produce that desired caramelized exterior.
For added depth of flavor, consider tossing the vegetables with a touch of balsamic vinegar or lemon juice before roasting. If you want a bit of crunch, check on the veggies at the 15-minute mark; you can give them a quick stir to avoid sticking, and let them roast a little longer if you prefer a more charred texture.
Serving Suggestions
This Herb Roasted Veggie Quinoa Skillet can stand alone as a hearty dish, but it pairs beautifully with proteins like grilled chicken, tofu, or chickpeas for a more filling meal. Adding a dollop of Greek yogurt or a squeeze of lemon on top can enhance the flavors and add creaminess that balances the dish perfectly.
If you have leftovers, you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of vegetable broth to revive the texture. This dish also freezes well; portion it out into individual servings for quick meals later on.
Ingredients
Ingredients
Herb Roasted Veggie Quinoa Skillet Ingredients
- 1 cup quinoa, rinsed
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 yellow bell pepper, diced
- 1 zucchini, diced
- 2 carrots, sliced
- 1 red onion, diced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 teaspoons dried oregano
- 2 teaspoons dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Mix and match your favorite vegetables for a personalized touch!
Instructions
Instructions
Prepare the Quinoa
In a medium saucepan, combine rinsed quinoa and vegetable broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes until quinoa is fluffy. Remove from heat and let it sit, covered.
Roast the Vegetables
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). On a large baking sheet, toss the diced red and yellow bell peppers, zucchini, carrots, and red onion with olive oil, oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper. Spread evenly and roast for 20 minutes, or until vegetables are tender and slightly caramelized.
Combine and Serve
In a large skillet, combine the cooked quinoa and roasted veggies. Stir gently to incorporate. Cook over low heat for 5 minutes to warm through. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley.
Enjoy your delicious, healthy skillet dish!
Pro Tips
- Feel free to experiment with different vegetables or herbs according to the season. Adding a squeeze of lemon just before serving brightens everything up!
Nutritious Additions
If you're looking to boost the nutritional content of this dish, consider adding some greens such as spinach or kale during the last few minutes of cooking. They wilt down quickly and impart a lovely color while adding vitamins and minerals. Alternatively, toss in some canned black beans for an extra protein punch without altering the flavor.
Nuts and seeds can also enhance the texture and nutritional profile. Toasted pine nuts, slivered almonds, or sunflower seeds sprinkled on top just before serving can add a delightful crunch and richness. Just be cautious not to add too many, as they can overshadow the dish's subtle flavors.
Making it Your Own
One of the joys of this Herb Roasted Veggie Quinoa Skillet is its versatility. If you're in the mood for a global twist, add spices such as curry powder for an Indian flair or smoked paprika for a Spanish touch. You might even incorporate a splash of soy sauce or coconut aminos for an Asian-inspired flavor that works beautifully with the roasted veggies.
Don’t shy away from experimenting with different herbs and spices, either. Fresh herbs like basil or cilantro can be added right before serving, elevating the freshness of the dish. Just remember to adjust the amounts based on your preferences – start small, since fresh herbs can sometimes overpower.
Scaling and Meal Prep
This recipe is easily scalable. If you’re cooking for a larger crowd, simply double or triple the ingredients while keeping the same cooking times for the quinoa and the roast. Just ensure your baking trays have enough space for the veggies to avoid steaming them, which ruins the roasting effect.
For those who love meal prepping, this dish is a fantastic make-ahead option. Cook a big batch on the weekend, and you'll have flavorful, nutritious meals ready to go throughout the week. Just store them in individual portions, and consider mixing in various sauces or toppings each day to keep things exciting.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes! This dish keeps well in the refrigerator for up to three days, making it perfect for meal prep.
→ Is there a gluten-free alternative to quinoa?
Quinoa is naturally gluten-free, so you can enjoy this recipe without worries! You can also substitute with rice if preferred.
→ What can I use instead of vegetable broth?
Water can be used, but the dish will benefit from the flavors provided by broth. If you have chicken broth, that works too!
→ How can I make this recipe vegan?
This recipe is already vegan! Just ensure that your broth is vegetable-based.
Herb Roasted Veggie Quinoa Skillet
I love creating dishes that are not only healthy but also bursting with flavor, and this Herb Roasted Veggie Quinoa Skillet is a perfect example. With vibrant vegetables and aromatic herbs, it's a delightful one-pan meal that's energizing and satisfying. The nutty quinoa base pairs beautifully with the roasted veggies, making it a great option for lunch or dinner. Plus, it’s quick to make and can easily be customized based on whatever veggies you have on hand. Let's dive into this colorful skillet recipe!
Created by: Callie Morgan
Recipe Type: Healthy & Light
Skill Level: Intermediate
Final Quantity: 4 servings
What You'll Need
Herb Roasted Veggie Quinoa Skillet Ingredients
- 1 cup quinoa, rinsed
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 yellow bell pepper, diced
- 1 zucchini, diced
- 2 carrots, sliced
- 1 red onion, diced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 teaspoons dried oregano
- 2 teaspoons dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
How-To Steps
In a medium saucepan, combine rinsed quinoa and vegetable broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes until quinoa is fluffy. Remove from heat and let it sit, covered.
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). On a large baking sheet, toss the diced red and yellow bell peppers, zucchini, carrots, and red onion with olive oil, oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper. Spread evenly and roast for 20 minutes, or until vegetables are tender and slightly caramelized.
In a large skillet, combine the cooked quinoa and roasted veggies. Stir gently to incorporate. Cook over low heat for 5 minutes to warm through. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley.
Extra Tips
- Feel free to experiment with different vegetables or herbs according to the season. Adding a squeeze of lemon just before serving brightens everything up!
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Total Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Sodium: 200mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 50g
- Dietary Fiber: 7g
- Sugars: 4g
- Protein: 10g