Discover the vibrant flavors of the Middle East with our delightful Stuffed Artichokes Quinoa Tabbouleh recipe! This dish not only boasts a stunning presentation but also combines the nutty goodness of quinoa with the fresh crunch of vegetables, making it a perfect centerpiece for any meal. Whether you’re looking to impress guests or simply want to indulge in a healthy, satisfying dish, these stuffed artichokes are sure to steal the show. Ready to elevate your culinary game? Let’s dive into this deliciously unique recipe that will leave your taste buds dancing!
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 40 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs
Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 artichokes
- 1 cup quinoa
- 1 cup parsley, chopped
- 1 tomato, diced
- 1 cucumber, diced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Juice of 1 lemon
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the artichokes by trimming the stem and cutting off the top inch. Using kitchen scissors, snip off the sharp leaf tips. Gently spread the leaves to create space for stuffing.
- Rinse quinoa thoroughly under cold water. In a medium saucepan, combine quinoa with 2 cups of water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes until water is absorbed and quinoa is fluffy.
- While quinoa is cooking, prepare the tabbouleh mixture. Finely chop parsley, dice tomatoes and cucumber into small, uniform pieces.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine cooked quinoa, chopped parsley, diced tomatoes, and cucumber. Drizzle with olive oil and fresh lemon juice. Season with salt and pepper, then mix thoroughly.
- Carefully stuff each artichoke with the quinoa tabbouleh mixture, gently pushing the mixture between the leaves.
- Place stuffed artichokes in a large steamer or deep pot with a small amount of water at the bottom. Steam for 30-35 minutes until artichoke leaves are tender and can be easily pulled away.
- Remove artichokes from steamer, let cool for 5 minutes. Serve warm, with additional lemon wedges if desired.
Tips
- Choose Fresh Artichokes: Look for artichokes that are firm and heavy for their size, with tightly closed leaves. Fresh artichokes will yield the best flavor and texture.
- Rinse Quinoa Thoroughly: Rinsing quinoa before cooking removes its natural coating, called saponin, which can make it taste bitter. This step is crucial for achieving a deliciously nutty flavor.
- Customize Your Tabbouleh: Feel free to add other ingredients to your tabbouleh mixture, such as bell peppers or olives, for added flavor and texture. Experiment with herbs like mint for a refreshing twist!
- Steam to Perfection: Ensure you have enough water in the pot while steaming the artichokes to prevent them from drying out. You can also add lemon slices to the steaming water for a subtle citrus aroma.
- Serve with a Twist: For an extra burst of flavor, serve your stuffed artichokes with a drizzle of tahini sauce or a sprinkle of feta cheese on top. This will enhance the Mediterranean experience!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 10g
Fat: 10g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 0mg
