Herbed Quinoa with Roasted Garlic Recipe

Introduction

This light, herby quinoa dish makes a perfect base for hearty mains. Roasted garlic brings mellow sweetness and depth, while fresh parsley adds a bright, fresh flavor. It’s wholesome, easy to prepare, and can be made entirely ahead of time for convenience.

Ingredients

• 1 cup quinoa
• 2 cups vegetable broth or water
• 1 head garlic
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• ¼ cup chopped parsley
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Slice the top off the garlic head, drizzle with olive oil, wrap it tightly in foil, and roast for 35 to 40 minutes until soft and fragrant.
2. Step 2: Meanwhile, rinse the quinoa under cold water. Cook it in vegetable broth or water according to package instructions, usually about 15 minutes, until tender and liquid is absorbed.
3. Step 3: Once the garlic is cool enough to handle, squeeze the softened cloves out of their skins and stir them into the cooked quinoa.
4. Step 4: Add the chopped parsley to the quinoa and mix well. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, toast the quinoa in a dry pan for a few minutes before cooking to bring out a nutty aroma.
• Substitute parsley with fresh cilantro, basil, or mint for a different herbaceous note.
• Use chicken broth instead of vegetable broth for a richer base if not vegetarian.

Storage

Store the herbed quinoa in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of broth to keep it moist. A drizzle of olive oil before serving helps refresh the texture.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use garlic powder instead of roasted garlic?

While garlic powder can offer some flavor, it won’t provide the same mellow sweetness and depth as roasting fresh garlic. Roasted garlic adds a rich, creamy texture and soft flavor that enhances the quinoa beautifully.

Is it necessary to rinse quinoa before cooking?

Yes, rinsing quinoa under cold water before cooking removes its natural coating called saponin, which can taste bitter or soapy. Rinsing ensures a clean, fresh taste in the final dish.

Herbed Quinoa with Roasted Garlic Recipe

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★★★★★

5 from 60 reviews

This Herbed Quinoa with Roasted Garlic is a light, flavorful side dish, perfect as a base for hearty main courses. The roasted garlic infuses the quinoa with a mellow, sweet depth, while fresh parsley adds a bright, fresh note. Simple to prepare and wholesome, it can be made ahead and stored for easy meal prep throughout the week.

• Author: Maya
• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Side Dish
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: International
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Quinoa

• 1 cup quinoa
• 2 cups vegetable broth or water

Roasted Garlic

• 1 head garlic
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

Herbs and Seasoning

• ¼ cup chopped parsley
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Roast the Garlic: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Slice the top off the garlic head to expose the cloves, drizzle with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, then wrap it tightly in foil. Place the wrapped garlic in a baking dish and roast for 35 to 40 minutes until the cloves are soft and golden.
2. Cook the Quinoa: While the garlic roasts, rinse 1 cup of quinoa under cold water to remove bitterness. Combine the quinoa with 2 cups of vegetable broth or water in a saucepan, bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer covered for about 15 minutes or until the liquid is absorbed and quinoa is tender.
3. Combine Ingredients: Once the garlic is roasted and cooled enough to handle, squeeze the soft garlic cloves out of their skins directly into the cooked quinoa. Add ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley and stir well to incorporate the flavors.
4. Season to Taste: Add salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste, mixing thoroughly to ensure even seasoning throughout the dish.

Notes

• Quinoa can be cooked up to a day ahead and refrigerated to save time.
• Use vegetable broth for extra flavor instead of water.
• Leftover quinoa reheats well in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of broth.
• Drizzling a little olive oil before serving helps refresh the texture and adds richness.
• Keep the roasted garlic wrapped tightly to retain its moisture and prevent it from drying out.

Keywords: quinoa recipe, roasted garlic quinoa, herbed quinoa, healthy side dish, meal prep quinoa