National Quinoa Day 2024: 5 delectable dishes to try, from salads to nuggets

Annually, January 16th is designated as National Quinoa Day to honor the superfood that has become a global sensation, quinoa. We’ve put up a list of the top 5 quinoa dishes that you just must try in honor of this wonderful day.

Avocado and Grilled Vegetable Quinoa Salad
This savory and refreshing salad is a great choice for any occasion since it is full of critical vitamins and minerals, fiber, protein, and other nutrients.

Components:

One cup of quinoa
two cups of water
One cup cherry tomatoes, halved, one red bell pepper, one yellow bell pepper, one zucchini, one red onion, and two tablespoons olive oil
To taste, add salt and pepper.
One lemon’s juice
½ cup finely chopped Feta cheese and fresh parsley (optional)
Guidelines:

1. In a saucepan, bring the quinoa and water to a boil. After lowering the heat to low, simmer until all of the water has been absorbed, around 15 minutes.

2. Turn the heat up to medium-high on your grill or grill pan.
3. Combine the cut veggies, salt, and pepper in a big bowl.
4. Grill the veggies until they are gently browned, approximately 5 minutes on each side.
5. Combine the cooked quinoa, chopped parsley, lemon juice, and grilled veggies in a separate dish.
6. Top with feta cheese, if desired.
7. You may serve the quinoa salad cold or heated. Have fun!

Stuffed Bell Peppers with Quinoa
Try this healthier take on your favorite stuffed bell pepper dish by substituting the rice with quinoa. These filled bell peppers are a fantastic dose of protein, fiber, and antioxidants in addition to being aesthetically pleasing.

Components:

Four bell peppers, any hue
One cup of cooked quinoa
One can of washed and drained black beans
One can of drained corn
one cup salsa
One teaspoon of cumin
A smidgeon of chili powder
To taste, add salt and pepper.
Cheese shreds, if desired
Guidelines:

1. Set the oven temperature to 190°C.
2. Remove the seeds and membranes from the bell peppers by cutting off the tops.
3. Combine the cooked quinoa, salsa, black beans, corn, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper in a big bowl.
4. After stuffing the bell peppers with the mixture, put them on a baking tray.
5. Top with grated cheese, if desired.
6. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the bell peppers are cooked.
7. Present heated and savor!

Quinoa Stir-Fry with Veggies
Quinoa isn’t only for salads and side dishes—it can also be the foundation of a flavorful stir-fry. With this dish, you may get the health advantages of quinoa while increasing the amount of veggies in your diet.

Components:

One cup of quinoa
two cups of water
two tsp of vegetable oil
One red bell pepper, one yellow bell pepper, one zucchini, one onion, and one cup of broccoli florets were cut.
One cup of sliced mushrooms, two chopped garlic cloves, and two teaspoons of soy sauce
To taste, add salt and pepper.
Sesame seeds (not required)
Guidelines:

1. In a saucepan, bring the quinoa and water to a boil. After lowering the heat to low, simmer until all of the water has been absorbed, around 15 minutes.
2. Heat the vegetable oil in a wok or big pan over high heat.
3. Stir-fry the chopped veggies and garlic in the skillet for about five minutes, or until they are soft.
4. Add the soy sauce and cooked quinoa, then season with salt and pepper.
5. Cook, stirring regularly, for a further two to three minutes.
6. Garnish with sesame seeds and serve hot (optional). Have fun!

Crusted Quinoa Chicken Nuggets
Who says you have to give up comfort food to maintain a healthy diet? These tasty and crunchy chicken nuggets with quinoa crust are the ideal substitute for the classic deep-fried kind.

Components:

One chicken breast, sliced into small pieces
One cup of cooked quinoa
Half a cup of breadcrumbs
one tsp powdered garlic
One tsp of paprika
To taste, add salt and pepper.
two beaten eggs
For frying, use olive oil
Guidelines:

1. Set the oven temperature to 375°F, or 190°C.
2. In a shallow dish, combine the cooked quinoa, breadcrumbs, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
3. After dipping the chicken pieces into the beaten eggs, coat them evenly by rolling them in the quinoa mixture.
4. In a big pan over medium heat, warm up the olive oil.
5. Fry the chicken nuggets until they are golden brown, about two to three minutes on each side.
6. Transfer the chicken nuggets to a baking sheet and bake for 10-15 minutes.
7. Top with your preferred dipping sauce and serve hot. Have fun!

Chocolate Chip Cookies with Quinoa
You heard correctly: chocolate chip cookies made with quinoa! These cookies are a guilt-free way to indulge your sweet craving without sacrificing health. They are a great substitute for classic chocolate chip cookies.

Components:

Half a cup of cooked quinoa
One cup of flour made from whole wheat
One tsp baking powder
One tsp of cinnamon
½ cup melted coconut oil and ½ cup honey
two eggs
One tsp vanilla essence
One cup of chips with dark chocolate
Guidelines:

1. Set the oven temperature to 180°C.
2. Combine the cooked quinoa, whole wheat flour, cinnamon, and baking powder in a large basin.
3. Combine the eggs, honey, vanilla extract, and melted coconut oil in a another dish.
4. Mix the dry and wet ingredients together, stirring to fully incorporate them.
5. Stir in the chunks of dark chocolate.
6. Spoon cookie dough onto a parchment paper-lined baking sheet in small amounts.
7. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes, or until golden brown around the edges.
8. After letting the cookies rest for a few minutes, move them to a wire rack to finish cooling.
9. Savor your guilt-free chocolate chip cookies made with quinoa!

On National Quinoa Day 2024, you must eat these recipes at home with your loved ones. Cheers to your eating!