Are you ready to take your taste buds on a vibrant journey to India without leaving your kitchen? Dive into the delightful world of "Spiced Lentils with Roasted Green Beans and Quinoa"! This wholesome dish not only promises a burst of flavors but also packs a nutritious punch, making it the perfect meal for any time of day. With its aromatic spices and perfectly roasted vegetables, this recipe is sure to impress your family and friends. Ready to discover the secrets behind this culinary masterpiece? Let’s get cooking!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: Indian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup lentils, rinsed
- 1 cup quinoa, rinsed
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 2 cups green beans, trimmed
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon coriander
- 1 teaspoon turmeric
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prepare for roasting green beans.
- In a medium saucepan, combine rinsed quinoa with 1 cup of vegetable broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-18 minutes until liquid is absorbed and quinoa is fluffy.
- Toss trimmed green beans with olive oil, 1/2 teaspoon cumin, salt, and pepper. Spread evenly on prepared baking sheet and roast in preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, turning once halfway through, until beans are crisp-tender and slightly charred.
- In another saucepan, combine lentils with remaining vegetable broth. Add coriander, turmeric, remaining cumin, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20-25 minutes until lentils are tender but not mushy.
- Once all components are cooked, fluff the quinoa with a fork. Layer quinoa as a base, top with spiced lentils, and arrange roasted green beans on top.
- Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Serve hot, garnishing with fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley if desired.
Tips
- Prep Ahead: To save time, rinse and prep your lentils and quinoa in advance. You can even roast the green beans a day before and reheat them in the oven for a quick assembly.
- Customize Your Spices: Feel free to adjust the spice levels according to your taste. If you like it spicy, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or some chopped green chilies for an extra kick!
- Perfectly Fluffy Quinoa: Make sure to rinse your quinoa thoroughly before cooking to remove its natural coating, which can make it taste bitter. This will help achieve that light and fluffy texture.
- Roasting Techniques: When roasting the green beans, ensure they are spread out in a single layer on the baking sheet. This allows them to roast evenly and become perfectly crisp-tender.
- Garnish for Flavor: Don’t skip the fresh herbs! A sprinkle of cilantro or parsley not only adds a pop of color but also enhances the overall flavor of the dish.
- Make It a Meal: For a heartier option, serve this dish alongside a dollop of yogurt or a side of naan bread for a complete Indian-inspired feast.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 55g
Protein: 18g
Fat: 7g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Cholesterol: 0mg
