Description
A delicious and healthy Crispy Quinoa recipe that combines tender, fluffy quinoa with a crispy golden crust, enhanced by aromatic spices and fresh lemon juice. Perfect as a side dish or a topping for salads and grain bowls.
Ingredients
Scale
Quinoa
- 1 cup quinoa (rinsed)
- 2 cups water or vegetable broth
Seasonings and Oil
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or coconut oil
- 1 teaspoon cumin (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional, for extra flavor)
- Fresh parsley (for garnish, optional)
Instructions
- Cook the Quinoa: In a medium saucepan, combine the rinsed quinoa and water or vegetable broth. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce to a simmer. Cover the pan and cook for about 15 minutes or until all the liquid is absorbed and the quinoa is tender. Remove from heat and let it sit covered for 5 minutes. Fluff the quinoa with a fork to separate the grains.
- Cool and Dry the Quinoa: Spread the cooked and fluffed quinoa evenly on a large baking sheet or shallow tray. Allow it to cool to room temperature for approximately 10 minutes. This step helps dry the quinoa slightly, which is crucial for achieving a crispy texture when cooked further.
- Crisp the Quinoa in a Skillet: Heat the olive oil over medium-high heat in a large skillet. Add the quinoa to the skillet, spreading it out evenly. Let it cook undisturbed for 5-7 minutes to allow the bottom layer to crisp up and turn golden. Then, flip the quinoa in sections and cook for another 5-7 minutes until it’s golden and crispy all over.
- Add Seasonings and Lemon Juice: Sprinkle the crispy quinoa with cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper according to your taste. Toss everything together in the skillet to evenly coat the quinoa with the spices. If you like, add a tablespoon of lemon juice for an extra burst of fresh flavor.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the skillet from heat and garnish the quinoa with fresh parsley if desired. Serve the crispy quinoa as a flavorful side dish or use it as a crunchy topping for salads, grain bowls, or roasted vegetables.
Notes
- Rinse quinoa thoroughly before cooking to remove its natural bitterness.
- Using vegetable broth instead of water adds extra flavor to the quinoa.
- Do not stir the quinoa while it’s crisping in the skillet to achieve a golden crust.
- Adjust spices to suit your taste preferences; smoked paprika can also be used for a smoky flavor.
- Store leftover crispy quinoa in an airtight container in the refrigerator; reheat in a skillet to retain crispiness.
