Try this Peruvian quinoa stew recipe at home
Quinoa stew originates from Peru, a dish that embodies the nation's rich culinary culture. Central to Andean tradition, it features quinoa, a grain celebrated for centuries for its nutritional value. This stew is a vegetarian and eggless choice, providing a wholesome and satisfying experience for various dietary needs. Let's embrace the cooking journey and infuse your kitchen with the essence of Peru.
Gather the following ingredients
For this Peruvian stew, gather one cup of rinsed quinoa, two tablespoons olive oil, a diced onion, two minced garlic cloves, a chopped red bell pepper, one cup each of diced carrots and tomatoes (fresh or canned), four cups vegetable broth, a teaspoon ground cumin, half a teaspoon chili powder (to taste), salt, pepper, and cilantro for garnish.
Preparing the vegetables
Begin by heating olive oil in a large pot on medium. Saute diced onion and minced garlic until they're translucent, about three to five minutes. Add chopped red bell pepper and diced carrots, continuing to cook for another five minutes until they soften. This important step forms the flavor base of the stew, essential for its rich taste.
Cooking quinoa with spices
Add the rinsed quinoa to the pot with the sauteed vegetables, and sprinkle in ground cumin and chili powder. Stir the mixture well for about two minutes. This crucial step ensures that the spices evenly coat each grain of quinoa, infusing it with flavor and lightly toasting it, which brings a deeper, nutty essence to the stew.
Adding liquids and simmering
Pour in the diced tomatoes along with their juices and vegetable broth into your pot. Bring everything to a boil before reducing heat to allow it simmer uncovered for about 20 minutes or until quinoa is tender but still holds its shape well. During this time period keep an eye on your stew; stir occasionally preventing any sticking at the bottom.
Final touches and serving
Once the stew has thickened and the quinoa is tender, season with salt and pepper to your liking. Then remove from heat, cover, and let it sit for a few minutes, allowing the flavors to meld. Serve the stew hot, garnished with fresh cilantro. Whether enjoyed with bread or as a fulfilling meal on its own, each spoonful offers warmth and nutritional benefits.
