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–+ servings
Stav Kogan

Aromatic Spiced Black Quinoa

This Aromatic Spiced Black Quinoa is a total game-changer, transforming the humble grain into an unforgettable side dish or a hearty main. Infused with toasted cumin, warm spices, and fresh aromatics, every bite is a delightful surprise.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 5 serving
Calories: 223
Ingredients Method Nutrition

Ingredients
  

  • 1 tsp (5 ml) extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 tsp (10 ml) whole cumin seeds
  • ½ onion, finely chopped
  • 1 jalapeño, seeds and ribs removed, thinly sliced
  • 2 cherry peppers, seeds and ribs removed, thinly sliced
  • 1 Tbsp (15 ml) fresh ginger, finely grated
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1½ cups / 360 ml (12.2 fl oz) black quinoa, rinsed and drained
  • 2¼ cups / 540 ml (18.3 fl oz) low-sodium vegetable broth or water
  • ¼ tsp (1.25 ml) (0 fl oz) ground coriander
  • ¼ tsp (1.25 ml) (0 fl oz) ground turmeric
  • 1/8 tsp (0.625 ml) ground cloves
  • 1 cinnamon stick
  • 1 bay leaf
  • ½ cup (120 ml) (4.1 fl oz) chopped cilantro
  • If you can't find black quinoa, red or white quinoa will work perfectly as a substitute.
  • For a milder dish, be sure to thoroughly remove all seeds and white ribs from the jalapeño and cherry peppers. For more heat, leave a few seeds in.
  • This quinoa is fantastic for meal prep! It stores well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Method
 

  1. In a medium pot with a lid, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
  2. Add the whole cumin seeds and stir until they become fragrant, about 30-60 seconds.
  3. Add the chopped onion, jalapeño, cherry peppers, grated ginger, and minced garlic.
  4. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables soften, about 3 minutes.
  5. Stir in the rinsed quinoa, vegetable broth, ground coriander, turmeric, ground cloves, cinnamon stick, and bay leaf.
  6. Increase the heat to bring the mixture to a boil.
  7. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for about 20 minutes, or until the quinoa is plump and has absorbed all the liquid.
  8. Remove the pot from the heat and let it stand, still covered, for 5 minutes to steam.
  9. Remove and discard the cinnamon stick and bay leaf. Fluff the quinoa with a fork, stir in the fresh cilantro, and serve immediately.
  10. Don't skip rinsing the quinoa! This step removes its natural coating, called saponin, which can make it taste bitter.

Nutrition

Calories: 223kcalCarbohydrates: 38gProtein: 8gFat: 4g

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