Directions
Moroccan cooking is all about the spices! This super easy Moroccan quinoa dish won't disappoint. Whether you serve it as a warm side dish for dinner or a cold salad for lunch, you'll enjoy this versatile, easy, nutritious, and plant-based recipe dusted with cinnamon, cumin, turmeric and pistachio nuts.
I covered the bowl with plastic wrap and put cooled quinoa into the bowl. I wasn't sure if
the hand-painted bowl was safe for food.
It's a quick and easy recipe that I make in one pot- the Instant Pot (you can make it on the stove top). It doesn't get easier than that. Yes, it does taste as good as it looks.
My Visit To MoroccoI visited Morocco a year ago May before the Pandemic. It was a beautiful country with beautiful pottery and interesting things to see and do. We rode camels, explored caves, shopped, tasted the food, etc. I have visited Arab countries before, so I was accustomed to the markets, the spice shops, the pottery, the culture etc.We were there during the holy days of Ramadan, when the observant fast all day and only eat at night. We were served in restaurants but the community did not eat at all during the day. At night, the shops were full of wonderful foods, cakes, and fruits!
I'm sharing some of the pottery I brought back from my trips!
I have quite a few Moroccan friends in Florida, and I am always amazed and delighted with their flavorful recipes made with lots of fragrant and healthy spices.
I originally discovered this recipe when my daughter-in-law, Wendy, served this dish at an outdoor family dinner. I thought it was exceptional, and of course I went back for seconds and asked for her recipe. Quinoa and chickpeas are both good sources of plant-based protein, fiber, and nutrients.
Plan ahead Lunch for WWThis is a perfect plan-ahead lunch. It's a great recipe to pack in a mason jar, so it's all ready for you for a simple lunch. If you are following WW, this recipe is very low in points and very satisfying. On the purple plan- quinoa, chick peas, onion, broth, and spices are each zero points! Sometimes I leave out the nuts for a totally zero point lunch! By having it portioned in a mason jar, I effortlessly am able to stick to my plan.
Experimenting with Global CuisinesDuring the shut-in (I am still staying home, except for grocery shopping), I've started to try my hand at more global recipes that previously I only ate in restaurants. I'm proud to say I now make quite a few good Indian recipes such as Indian pancakes.
I've also cooked Chinese food such as Mongolian Mushrooms and Tofu.
Plant-based recipes are plentiful in ethnic cooking, unlike American food which heavily concentrates on beef and chicken.
The Moroccan quinoa recipe is vegan, gluten-free, and parve. It is really easy to make and is a nice change from rice.
The recipe calls for pistachio nuts which are widely used in Moroccan cooking. I also like to add some "dukkah" which is a Middle Eastern mixture of nuts, seeds, and spices. Trader Joe's sells a prepared container of "dukkah" that is vegan, kosher, and oil free. I've seen it online but it is very expensive compared to buying it yourself at Trader Joes. Add it to the grocery list next time you go. You can use it as a dip with a little olive oil or add it to this recipe.
Author of the blog: Judee AlgaziPrep Time: 5-10 minutesCook Time: warm up time + 2 minutes cook timeWait Time: 12 minutes to release steamServes: 6
Ingredients: 1 cup of chopped onion2 cups of uncooked quinoa, soaked for 2 minutes and washed well 2 cups of cooked chickpeas2 cups of vegetable broth1/4 teaspoon cinnamon1/4 teaspoon turmeric 1/4 teaspoon cuminCracked black pepper to taste2 tablespoons of chopped pistachios Optional: 1 tablespoon of Dukkah
Directions: Spray the bottom of the Instant Pot insert liner with oil spray or add 1/4 cup of broth to sauté the onions. Add washed quinoa, chickpeas, vegetable broth, cinnamon, turmeric, cumin, and cracked black pepper. Secure lid, close steam valve and set to pressure cook for 2 minutes. When done, allow steam to release naturally for 12 minutes. After 12 minutes, carefully release the remainder of the steam according to the manufacturers directions and remove lid.Transfer to a bowl and add pistachios and optional "dukkah."
