Dinner Recipes

By Taryn Chavez

18 Cozy Warm Quinoa Recipes Deliciously Nutritious

Cozy up to a bowl of warmth this season with these 18 deliciously nutritious quinoa recipes. As the weather starts to cool down, there’s nothing like a comforting bowl of quinoa to satisfy your hunger and nourish your body. Whether you’re looking for a quick and easy breakfast option or a hearty dinner solution, quinoa is the perfect grain to turn to.

In this article, we’ll explore a variety of warm quinoa recipes that are sure to become new favorites in your household. From savory dishes like Garlic Butter Warm Quinoa with Roasted Vegetables and Spicy Warm Quinoa and Black Bean Bowl, to sweet treats like Creamy Coconut Warm Quinoa Porridge and Warm Quinoa with Cinnamon Apples and Walnuts, we’ve got you covered.

So grab a spoon and get ready to dive into the world of warm quinoa recipes. In our next section, we’ll start by exploring some amazing warm quinoa bowls that are perfect for a quick lunch or dinner.

Garlic Butter Warm Quinoa with Roasted Vegetables

Garlic Butter Warm Quinoa with Roasted Vegetables
A flavorful and nutritious side dish perfect for any meal. This recipe combines the comforting warmth of quinoa with the savory sweetness of roasted vegetables, all tied together with a rich garlic butter sauce.

Ingredients:

– 1 cup quinoa
– 2 cups water or vegetable broth
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Assorted vegetables (such as broccoli, Brussels sprouts, sweet potatoes, and carrots)

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Cook quinoa according to package instructions using water or broth.
3. Toss selected vegetables with olive oil, salt, and pepper on a baking sheet. Roast for 20-25 minutes, or until tender and lightly caramelized.
4. In a small saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
5. Combine cooked quinoa and roasted vegetables in a large bowl. Pour garlic butter mixture over the top and toss to coat.
6. Serve warm, garnished with additional chopped herbs or chives if desired.

Cooking Time: 30-35 minutes

Spicy Warm Quinoa and Black Bean Bowl

Spicy Warm Quinoa and Black Bean Bowl
Get ready to spice up your mealtime with this flavorful and nutritious bowl! A perfect blend of quinoa, black beans, and roasted vegetables will satisfy your cravings.

Ingredients:

– 1 cup quinoa
– 2 cups water or vegetable broth
– 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
– 1 red bell pepper, seeded and chopped
– 1 small onion, chopped
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional: avocado, sour cream, or shredded cheese for topping

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Cook quinoa according to package instructions using water or broth.
3. In a separate pan, heat 1 tablespoon of oil over medium-high heat. Add onion and bell pepper; cook until tender, about 5 minutes.
4. Add black beans, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper to the pan. Cook for an additional minute.
5. Combine cooked quinoa with black bean mixture and stir well.
6. Serve warm, topped with your choice of avocado, sour cream, or shredded cheese.

Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes

Creamy Coconut Warm Quinoa Porridge

Creamy Coconut Warm Quinoa Porridge
Warm up on a chilly morning with this comforting and nutritious breakfast dish. This creamy quinoa porridge is infused with the rich flavors of coconut and a hint of spice, making it a perfect start to your day.

Ingredients:

– 1 cup quinoa, rinsed and drained
– 2 cups water or vegetable broth
– 1/4 cup shredded coconut
– 1 tablespoon unsweetened coconut cream
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– Pinch of salt
– Optional: chopped nuts or dried fruit for topping

Instructions:

1. In a medium saucepan, bring the quinoa and water or broth to a boil. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes or until the quinoa is tender.
2. Stir in the shredded coconut, coconut cream, cinnamon, and salt. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes or until the mixture is creamy and well combined.
3. Serve hot, topped with chopped nuts or dried fruit if desired.

Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes

Warm Quinoa Salad with Lemon Tahini Dressing

Warm Quinoa Salad with Lemon Tahini Dressing
This warm quinoa salad is a perfect comfort food dish, packed with nutritious ingredients and a tangy lemon tahini dressing. It’s an ideal side dish or light lunch for a chilly day.

Ingredients:
• 1 cup quinoa
• 2 cups water
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 small red onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup mixed vegetables (e.g., cherry tomatoes, bell peppers, carrots)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1/4 cup tahini

Instructions:

1. Cook quinoa according to package instructions using the water. Drain and set aside.
2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add onion and garlic; cook for 3-4 minutes until softened.
3. Add mixed vegetables to the skillet and cook for an additional 5 minutes or until tender. Season with salt and pepper.
4. In a small bowl, whisk together lemon juice and tahini.
5. Combine cooked quinoa, vegetable mixture, and lemon-tahini dressing in a large bowl. Toss to combine.

Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes

Warm Quinoa Stuffed Bell Peppers

Warm Quinoa Stuffed Bell Peppers
A flavorful and nutritious vegetarian dish that combines the sweetness of bell peppers with the nutty flavor of quinoa.

Ingredients:

– 4 large bell peppers, any color
– 1 cup cooked quinoa
– 1/2 cup black beans, drained and rinsed
– 1/2 cup diced onion
– 1 minced garlic clove
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional: shredded cheese (Cheddar or Monterey Jack work well)

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cut the tops off the bell peppers and remove seeds and membranes. Place them in a baking dish.
3. In a medium bowl, combine cooked quinoa, black beans, onion, garlic, and olive oil. Season with salt and pepper.
4. Stuff each bell pepper with the quinoa mixture, filling to the top.
5. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes.
6. Remove the foil and bake an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the peppers are tender.

Cooking Time: 40-45 minutes

Warm Quinoa and Chickpea Stew

Warm Quinoa and Chickpea Stew
This comforting stew is a perfect blend of protein-rich chickpeas, nutty quinoa, and aromatic spices. Perfect for a chilly evening or a quick lunch option.

Ingredients:

– 1 cup quinoa, rinsed and drained
– 2 cups water or vegetable broth
– 1 can chickpeas (14.5 oz), drained and rinsed
– 1 onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 red bell pepper, diced
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Optional: chopped fresh cilantro for garnish

Instructions:

1. Cook quinoa according to package instructions using 2 cups of water or broth.
2. In a large pot, heat 2 tablespoons of oil over medium heat. Add onion, garlic, and red bell pepper; cook until vegetables are tender.
3. Add chickpeas, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
4. Once quinoa is cooked, add it to the pot and stir to combine with the chickpea mixture.
5. Simmer for 10-15 minutes or until flavors have melded together.
6. Serve hot, garnished with chopped cilantro if desired.

Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes

Warm Quinoa with Honey Roasted Sweet Potatoes

Warm Quinoa with Honey Roasted Sweet Potatoes
Warm Quinoa with Honey Roasted Sweet Potatoes: A comforting and nutritious side dish perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients:

– 1 cup quinoa, rinsed and drained
– 2 cups water or vegetable broth
– 2 large sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
– 2 tbsp honey
– 1 tsp olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a medium saucepan, bring the quinoa and water or broth to a boil. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes or until the quinoa is tender and fluffy.
3. While the quinoa cooks, toss the sweet potatoes with honey, olive oil, salt, and pepper on a baking sheet. Roast in the oven for 20-25 minutes or until the sweet potatoes are caramelized and tender.
4. Once the quinoa is cooked, fluff it with a fork and add any desired seasonings (e.g., salt, pepper, herbs).
5. Serve the warm quinoa alongside the honey roasted sweet potatoes.

Cooking Time: 40-45 minutes

Warm Quinoa and Kale Sauté with Parmesan

Warm Quinoa and Kale Sauté with Parmesan
A hearty and flavorful side dish that’s perfect for a chilly evening. This recipe combines the nutty goodness of quinoa with the earthy taste of kale, all wrapped up in a warm and comforting package.

Ingredients:

– 1 cup quinoa
– 2 cups water or vegetable broth
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 small onion, finely chopped
– 3 cups curly kale leaves, stems removed and discarded, leaves torn into bite-sized pieces
– 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Cook the quinoa according to package instructions using water or broth.
2. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Add the kale to the skillet and cook until wilted, about 5-6 minutes.
4. Fluff the cooked quinoa with a fork and add it to the skillet. Stir to combine with the kale mixture.
5. Sprinkle the Parmesan cheese over the top and season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Serve warm and enjoy!

Cooking Time: About 20-25 minutes

Warm Quinoa Breakfast Bowl with Almond Butter

Warm Quinoa Breakfast Bowl with Almond Butter
Start your day with a nutritious and satisfying breakfast bowl that combines the nutty flavor of quinoa with the creamy richness of almond butter. This warm and comforting bowl is perfect for a chilly morning.

Ingredients:

– 1 cup cooked quinoa
– 2 tablespoons almond butter
– 1/2 cup mixed berries (fresh or frozen)
– 1 tablespoon honey
– Pinch of salt
– Optional: sliced banana, chopped nuts, or shredded coconut

Instructions:

1. In a small saucepan, heat the cooked quinoa over low heat for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
2. Add the almond butter and stir until melted and smooth.
3. Add the mixed berries, honey, and salt to the quinoa mixture. Stir until well combined.
4. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes or until the berries are warm and the flavors have melded together.
5. Serve hot in a bowl and top with optional toppings of your choice.

Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes

Warm Quinoa and Mushroom Risotto

Warm Quinoa and Mushroom Risotto
Warm Quinoa and Mushroom Risotto: A hearty and comforting side dish that combines the nutty flavor of quinoa with the earthy taste of mushrooms.

Ingredients:

– 1 cup quinoa, rinsed and drained
– 2 cups vegetable broth, warmed
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 small onion, finely chopped
– 2 cups mixed mushrooms (button, cremini, shiitake), sliced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/4 cup white wine (optional)
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

Instructions:

1. Heat the olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat.
2. Add the chopped onion and cook until translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Add the mushrooms and garlic; cook until the mushrooms release their liquid and start to brown, about 5 minutes.
4. Add the quinoa and stir to combine with the mushroom mixture.
5. Pour in the warmed broth, one cup at a time, stirring continuously and allowing each portion to absorb before adding the next.
6. If using wine, add it after 3 cups of broth have been absorbed.
7. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
8. Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley if desired.

Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes

Warm Quinoa with Roasted Brussels Sprouts and Bacon

Warm Quinoa with Roasted Brussels Sprouts and Bacon
A hearty and flavorful side dish perfect for any meal. This recipe combines the nutty taste of quinoa with the sweetness of roasted Brussels sprouts, crispy bacon, and a hint of garlic.

Ingredients:

– 1 cup quinoa
– 2 cups water
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 pound Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved
– 6 slices of bacon, cut into thirds
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Cook quinoa according to package instructions using 2 cups of water.
3. In a large bowl, toss Brussels sprouts with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread on a baking sheet and roast for 20-25 minutes or until tender and caramelized.
4. Meanwhile, cook bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crispy. Remove from heat and set aside.
5. Add minced garlic to the same skillet and sauté for 1 minute.
6. Fluff cooked quinoa with a fork. Stir in roasted Brussels sprouts and crumbled bacon. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Cooking Time: 40-45 minutes

Warm Quinoa and Lentil Curry

Warm Quinoa and Lentil Curry
This comforting curry recipe combines the nutty flavor of quinoa with the gentle warmth of lentils, perfect for a cozy evening meal. With aromatic spices and a hint of sweetness, this dish is sure to become a family favorite.

Ingredients:

– 1 cup quinoa, rinsed and drained
– 2 cups water or vegetable broth
– 1 cup red or green lentils, rinsed and drained
– 2 medium onions, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 medium ginger, grated
– 1 can diced tomatoes (14 oz)
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
– 1/4 teaspoon turmeric
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Fresh cilantro leaves, for garnish

Instructions:

1. Rinse quinoa and cook according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
2. In a large pot, sauté onions, garlic, and ginger until softened.
3. Add lentils, diced tomatoes, cumin, coriander, turmeric, salt, and pepper. Stir well.
4. Simmer for 20-25 minutes or until lentils are tender.
5. Fluff cooked quinoa with a fork and stir into the curry mixture.
6. Serve hot, garnished with fresh cilantro leaves.

Cooking Time: 30-35 minutes

Warm Quinoa with Cinnamon Apples and Walnuts

Warm Quinoa with Cinnamon Apples and Walnuts
Warm Quinoa with Cinnamon Apples and Walnuts: A comforting and nutritious side dish that combines the warmth of quinoa with the sweetness of cinnamon apples and crunchy walnuts.

Ingredients:

– 1 cup quinoa, rinsed and drained
– 2 cups water or vegetable broth
– 2 tablespoons honey
– 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 2-3 medium-sized apples, peeled and diced (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work well)
– 1/4 cup chopped walnuts
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter

Instructions:

1. Cook the quinoa according to package instructions using water or vegetable broth.
2. In a large skillet, melt 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Add diced apples and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until tender and caramelized.
3. Add honey, cinnamon, and salt to the apple mixture; stir until combined.
4. Fluff cooked quinoa with a fork. Add remaining 1 tablespoon of butter and stir until melted.
5. Combine cooked quinoa and apple mixture in the skillet. Stir to combine and cook for an additional minute.
6. Top with chopped walnuts and serve warm.

Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes

Warm Quinoa and Spinach Stuffed Portobello Mushrooms

Warm Quinoa and Spinach Stuffed Portobello Mushrooms
Elevate your dinner game with this savory, filling recipe that combines the earthy flavor of portobello mushrooms with the nutty taste of quinoa and the freshness of spinach.

Ingredients:

– 4 large portobello mushrooms
– 1 cup cooked quinoa
– 1/2 cup fresh spinach leaves
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 small onion, finely chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1/4 cup grated cheddar cheese (optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Clean the mushrooms by wiping them with a damp cloth.
3. In a pan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onion and cook until translucent.
4. Add garlic, thyme, salt, and pepper. Cook for 1 minute.
5. Stuff each mushroom cap with quinoa mixture (cooked quinoa, spinach leaves, and onion-garlic mixture).
6. Top with cheddar cheese (if using).
7. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until mushrooms are tender and filling is heated through.

Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes

Warm Quinoa with Garlic Herb Chicken

Warm Quinoa with Garlic Herb Chicken
Warm Quinoa with Garlic Herb Chicken Recipe

This comforting dish combines fluffy quinoa with savory garlic herb chicken, perfect for a cozy night in or a quick weeknight dinner.

Ingredients:

– 1 cup quinoa
– 2 cups water or vegetable broth
– 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– 1/2 teaspoon paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Cook quinoa according to package instructions using water or broth.
3. In a separate pan, heat olive oil over medium-high. Add chicken and cook until browned, about 5 minutes per side.
4. Remove chicken from pan and set aside. Reduce heat to medium. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
5. Stir in thyme and paprika. Add cooked chicken back into the pan and toss to coat with garlic herb mixture.
6. Serve warm quinoa topped with garlic herb chicken. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired.

Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes

Enjoy your delicious Warm Quinoa with Garlic Herb Chicken!

Warm Quinoa and Avocado Lime Salad

Warm Quinoa and Avocado Lime Salad
Elevate your salad game with this refreshing and nutritious dish, perfect for a light lunch or dinner.

Ingredients:

– 1 cup quinoa, rinsed and drained
– 2 cups water
– 1 ripe avocado, diced
– 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
– 1 lime, juiced
– Salt to taste
– Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a medium saucepan, bring the quinoa and water to a boil. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes or until the quinoa is tender.
3. While the quinoa cooks, combine the diced avocado, thinly sliced red onion, and lime juice in a large bowl.
4. Once the quinoa is cooked, fluff it with a fork and add it to the bowl with the avocado mixture. Season with salt to taste.
5. Garnish with fresh cilantro leaves if desired.

Cooking Time: 20 minutes

Warm Quinoa with Maple Glazed Carrots

Warm Quinoa with Maple Glazed Carrots
This sweet and savory recipe combines fluffy quinoa with tender, maple-glazed carrots, creating a perfect side dish for any occasion. The combination of textures and flavors will leave you craving more.

Ingredients:

– 1 cup quinoa
– 2 cups water or vegetable broth
– 4 large carrots, peeled and chopped
– 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

Instructions:

1. Cook the quinoa according to package instructions using 2 cups of water or broth. Set aside.
2. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
3. In a large bowl, toss the carrot pieces with olive oil, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.
4. Spread the carrots on a baking sheet and roast for 20-25 minutes, or until tender and lightly caramelized.
5. Meanwhile, whisk together the maple syrup and 1 tablespoon of water in a small saucepan. Bring to a simmer over medium heat.
6. Add the roasted carrots to the saucepan with the maple glaze and toss to coat.
7. Fluff the cooked quinoa with a fork and stir in any remaining carrot glaze.
8. Serve warm, garnished with chopped parsley if desired.

Cooking Time: 30-35 minutes

Warm Quinoa and Pumpkin Seed Pilaf

Warm Quinoa and Pumpkin Seed Pilaf
Elevate your grain game with this cozy and nutritious pilaf, perfect for a chilly evening or a quick weeknight meal. This recipe combines the nutty flavor of quinoa with the crunch of pumpkin seeds and a hint of aromatic spices.

Ingredients:

– 1 cup quinoa, rinsed and drained
– 2 cups water or vegetable broth
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 small onion, finely chopped
– 1 clove garlic, minced
– 1/2 cup pumpkin seeds
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a medium saucepan, bring quinoa and water or broth to a boil. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes or until quinoa is tender.
3. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add chopped onion and cook for 3-4 minutes or until translucent.
4. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
5. Stir in pumpkin seeds, cumin, salt, and pepper. Cook for 1-2 minutes or until fragrant.
6. Fluff cooked quinoa with a fork and add to the skillet. Toss to combine.
7. Serve warm, garnished with chopped parsley if desired.

Cooking Time: 30-40 minutes

Summary

Get cozy with these 18 deliciously nutritious warm quinoa recipes! From comforting bowls to savory stews, there’s something for everyone. Try Garlic Butter Warm Quinoa with Roasted Vegetables or Spicy Warm Quinoa and Black Bean Bowl. For a sweet treat, indulge in Creamy Coconut Warm Quinoa Porridge or Warm Quinoa with Honey Roasted Sweet Potatoes. And don’t forget the protein-packed options like Warm Quinoa Stuffed Bell Peppers or Warm Quinoa and Chickpea Stew. Whether you’re looking for a healthy breakfast or a satisfying dinner, these recipes are sure to warm your belly and your heart.

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