Herbed Quinoa with Roasted Garlic Recipe
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.
- 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
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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
