Vegetarian Quinoa Recipes

Quinoa is one of the best grains for vegetarians to be consuming because it is a rich source of complete proteins as well as is high in fiber and low in sugar. It is a great standby to have around the house because it keeps well in the fridge for up to 6 months and is relatively easy to cook. If you are looking for a recipe to try it out with, consider a few of these vegetarian options.

Quinoa Pudding

1 cup quinoa

2 cups water

2 cups apple juice

1 cup raisins

1 tsp ground cinnamon

salt to taste

2 tsp vanilla extract

¼ cup chopped walnuts

¼ cup applesauce

Begin by placing the quinoa in a sieve and rinsing. Once drained, place it in a medium sauce pan with the water and bring to a boil. Next cover with the lid and simmer until the water is absorbed (about fifteen minutes). Once finished, add in the apple juice, raisins, cinnamon, salt and vanilla extract. Cover once again and let simmer for twenty minutes to allow the flavours to blend. Once that's completed, place in individual serving bowls and top with chopped walnuts and a spoonful of applesauce. If you are allowed dairy on your diet, you can also add a little milk to the pudding at the end.

Quinoa Pilaf

1 tbsp margarine

1 cup uncooked quinoa

2 cups vegetable broth

1 tbsp chopped garlic

2 tbsp chopped parsley

¼ tsp salt

1 small chopped onion

1 diced red pepper

1 cup chopped mushrooms

Begin by melting the margarine in a sauce pan over medium heat. Once melted, add in the quinoa and let toast while stirring occasionally so that it doesn't burn. Next add in the vegetable broth and bring to a boil. Turn down the heat and then allow to cook for another 15 minutes or so. After that, add in all the spices and vegetables and let sit, covered, for about 10 minutes.

Ginger Broccoli Quinoa

1 ¼ cup vegetable broth

½ cup quinoa

2 tsp olive oil

1 tbsp minced garlic

1 tsp ginger powder

1 cup broccoli florets

½ cup chopped onion

½ cup diced firm tofu

¼ cup sliced mushrooms

1 cup chopped spinach

Bring one cup of the vegetable broth to a boil in a saucepan. Next, stir in quinoa and reduce to low heat for approximately 20 minutes or until tender.

While that is cooking, heat the olive oil in a separate pan and then add the broccoli, garlic, ginger and tofu. Stir fry this for about a minute or two and then cover to let steam. Next add in the remaining vegetable broth, along with mushrooms and spinach. Cook for three to five minutes more; until desired tenderness of mushrooms is reached.

Once this is done, mix it in with the quinoa and then let sit for five minutes to allow flavours to blend.

So if you've never tried quinoa before, don't let this fact scare you into not adding it to your diet. There are so many different things you can do with it, from breakfast recipes all the way to dessert recipes. It is almost certain there will be something for everyone.