Introduction
Looking for a healthy, simple, and tasty meal? This Lemon Herb Quinoa with Chickpeas is a perfect choice. It’s light, full of flavor, and packed with protein and fiber. Whether you need a quick lunch, a side dish, or a plant-based dinner, this recipe is super easy to make.
The best part? You don’t need any fancy ingredients. Just basic pantry items and fresh herbs will do the trick. Even if you’re not great at cooking, you can still make this dish without any problem. Let’s dive into it!
Ingredients – Lemon Herb Quinoa with Chickpeas
Here’s everything you’ll need to make this simple and healthy quinoa dish:
Main Ingredients:
- 1 cup quinoa
- 2 cups water or vegetable broth
- 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas – drained and rinsed
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 clove garlic – finely chopped
- Juice of 1 lemon
- Zest of 1 lemon (optional but adds more flavor)
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley – chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro or mint – chopped (optional)
- Salt – to taste
- Black pepper – to taste
Step by Step Process – Lemon Herb Quinoa with Chickpeas
Here’s how you can make this delicious recipe step by step:
Step 1: Rinse the Quinoa
Put the quinoa in a fine strainer and rinse it under cold water for 30 seconds. This helps remove the bitter coating called saponin.
Step 2: Cook the Quinoa
- In a medium pot, add 2 cups of water (or vegetable broth) and 1 cup of rinsed quinoa.
- Bring it to a boil.
- Once it starts boiling, lower the heat, cover the pot, and let it simmer for 15 minutes.
- After 15 minutes, turn off the heat and let it sit (covered) for another 5 minutes.
- Then, fluff the quinoa with a fork.
Step 3: Cook the Garlic
- In a large pan, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the chopped garlic and cook for about 1 minute until it smells good.
- Be careful not to burn the garlic!
Step 4: Add Chickpeas
- Add the rinsed chickpeas to the pan with the garlic.
- Cook for about 2-3 minutes just to warm them up.
Step 5: Mix Everything Together
- Add the cooked quinoa to the pan with chickpeas.
- Pour in the lemon juice and lemon zest.
- Add salt and black pepper to your taste.
- Mix well so that everything is combined.
Step 6: Add Fresh Herbs
- Turn off the heat.
- Stir in chopped parsley and cilantro (or mint).
- Give it one last mix.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy!
You can serve this dish warm, at room temperature, or even cold as a salad. It’s great on its own or with grilled veggies or tofu.
Nutritional Information
| Nutrient | Amount Per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 280 kcal |
| Protein | 10 grams |
| Carbohydrates | 38 grams |
| Fiber | 8 grams |
| Fat | 9 grams |
| Saturated Fat | 1 gram |
| Sodium | 250 mg |
| Vitamin C | 20% of Daily Value |
| Iron | 15% of Daily Value |
| Calcium | 6% of Daily Value |
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Can I use canned chickpeas?
Yes! Just rinse and drain them well before using.
Q2: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely. This quinoa dish can stay fresh in the fridge for up to 3 days. Store it in an airtight container.
Q3: Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, quinoa is naturally gluten-free. Just make sure your other ingredients (like broth or canned chickpeas) don’t have any added gluten.
Q4: What herbs can I use besides parsley?
You can try mint, cilantro, dill, or even basil. Use what you like or what you have at home.
Q5: Can I add vegetables to this dish?
Definitely! Chopped cucumber, cherry tomatoes, spinach, or even roasted veggies go great with this recipe.
Q6: How can I make it more filling?
Add avocado slices, crumbled feta cheese, or grilled tofu on top to make it a complete meal.
Final Thoughts
This Lemon Herb Quinoa with Chickpeas is more than just a healthy recipe – it’s a simple way to eat better without spending hours in the kitchen. It’s light, refreshing, and full of plant-based goodness.
The lemon gives it a fresh kick, the herbs make it flavorful, and the chickpeas add that hearty touch. Whether you’re trying to eat more veggies, want a quick lunch, or just need a new recipe idea, this dish is worth trying.
Plus, it’s super flexible – you can mix in your favorite herbs, veggies, or protein to make it your own. It’s perfect for meal prep, packed lunches, or sharing with friends. So next time you’re hungry and want something healthy, remember this easy quinoa recipe. It’s quick, tasty, and totally doable—even for beginners!
