Spring Vegetable Quinoa
Chock full of asparagus and peas, spring vegetable quinoa is a delicious, healthy side dish or lunch that can be served hot or cold.
I’ve already told you how my daughter gobbles up chickpeas like they are going out of style and loves hummus, but would you believe me if I told you she liked quinoa? She even likes this spring vegetable quinoa complete with all sorts of veggies that toddlers normally despise.
Yep. She does. Don’t worry though, she’s a normal toddler. She asks for fishies (Goldfish crackers) regularly and she threw a hissy fit when she saw the stash of chocolate on top of my fridge.
I thought I had longer before she noticed my secret stash. Sigh.
Anyway back to the spring vegetable quinoa. It’s so yummy. It has all sorts of delicious spring vegetables in it. Ok, maybe not all sorts. It has two spring veggies: peas and asparagus. It also has red peppers, onions, and my current favorite thing: sun dried tomatoes. You could sub out fresh tomatoes if you like. I wouldn’t just yet though. This time of year the tomatoes still are not at their best- you know sort of mealy and bland.
I am totally a tomato snob.
But if you are a normal person that happens to be an equal opportunity tomato eater, you could totally put tomatoes in this. I think it would be delish with cherry tomatoes.
This dish is delicious as is though, and it’s one of those virtuous healthy dishes. You know the kind that you eat when you are trying to make up for eating too much ice cream the night before? This is that. I swear, you feel the healthy glow just looking at it. I mean it is vegan if you don’t finish it with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese and gluten free. I mean, really, virtuous, right?
Ingredients
- 2 cups of cooked quinoa
- 1 cup of peas
- 1 cup of chopped asparagus
- 1 small onion diced
- 1/2 red bell pepper
- 1 cup of sun dried tomatoes
- 1/2 cup of sherry
- 1 tablespoon of olive oil plus more for drizzling
- 1 garlic clove
- 1 bay leaf
- salt and pepper
Instructions
- Cook the quinoa according to the directions on the package. Drain and set aside.
- Over medium heat, saute the chopped onion, pepper, and asparagus in the oil and sherry with a clove of crushed garlic and a bay leaf. Cook the vegetables for at least 5 minutes. Cook the vegetables longer if you prefer them softer.
- Reduce heat to medium low, add peas and quinoa cook for about a minute or until the peas turn bright green.
- Finish by adding sun dried tomatoes and drizzling with extra olive oil to taste.
- Dish may be served hot or cold. Garnish with Parmesan cheese and balsamic vinegar if desired.
Notes
Nutrition
We love tomatoes so adding tomatoes to this dish. Where did your child come from to like unusual dishes. Lucky mom!
Yes, tomatoes would be great. I’m such a tomato snob and normally wait until they are available fresh here. She’s very monkey see monkey do. She always wants what Mama eats. Always. As in, taking it off my plate for herself. Plus, we didn’t give her the option of lots of kid food. I don’t think we’ve ever bought chicken nuggets or boxed mac n cheese for her. Not that I’m opposed to it, but if she’s willing to eat what I’m eating, why not?
My toddler loves quinoa as well, and I get the same strange looks. Of course, since mine is lactose intolerant, she doesn’t get chocolate or goldfish. I love the idea of sun dried tomato in anything, so I will definitely be trying this recipe.
Glad I’m not alone in the toddler quinoa camp! Sorry about the lactose issues though. That can’t be fun to deal with with a little one.
Looks yum and I would love to give it a try. Any ideas for substituting sherry? I live in the Netherlands and am not sure I can get some here.
Thank you! Yes, sub any veggie or chicken stock for the sherry or try white wine. With wine, choose a wine you’d drink.
I love quinoa, and I love vegetables! This is such a great, light recipe for the warmer weather that we’re now having!
Thank you! Jealous of that nice weather you’re having but yes this is a go to for good spring days. It’s nice and light feeling.
My one year old gobbles up Quinoa like it’s going out of style. It was a pretty funny discovery! Love the blog!
I know! I was shocked when my daughter started with it too! But hey, it’s healthy. I’d rather her gobble up quinoa than candy… though that would totally happen if I let it.