Save It A vibrant and nourishing bowl featuring sheet pan roasted vegetables, fluffy quinoa, and a creamy tahini sauce. This Mediterranean-inspired dish is perfect for a wholesome lunch or dinner that satisfies the senses.
Save It This recipe brings together the earthy sweetness of roasted carrots and red onions with the brightness of cherry tomatoes and a lemon-garlic tahini sauce that ties everything together perfectly.
Ingredients
- Vegetables: 1 medium red bell pepper (diced), 1 medium zucchini (sliced), 1 small red onion (cut into wedges), 1 cup cherry tomatoes (halved), 1 medium carrot (sliced), 2 tablespoons olive oil, 1 teaspoon dried oregano, 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, ½ teaspoon salt, ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- Quinoa: 1 cup quinoa (rinsed), 2 cups water, ¼ teaspoon salt
- Tahini Sauce: ¼ cup tahini, 2 tablespoons lemon juice, 1 tablespoon maple syrup or honey, 1 garlic clove (minced), 3–4 tablespoons water (to thin), ¼ teaspoon salt
- Garnishes: 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley, 2 tablespoons toasted pumpkin seeds
Instructions
- Step 1: Prep
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Step 2: Season
- Place bell pepper, zucchini, red onion, cherry tomatoes, and carrot on the baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with oregano, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Toss to coat evenly and spread in a single layer.
- Step 3: Roast
- Roast the vegetables for 25–30 minutes, stirring halfway, until they are tender and lightly browned.
- Step 4: Cook Quinoa
- In a medium saucepan, combine rinsed quinoa, water, and salt. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes. Remove from heat and let stand, covered, for 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork.
- Step 5: Make Sauce
- Whisk together tahini, lemon juice, maple syrup or honey, minced garlic, salt, and enough water to reach a smooth, pourable consistency.
- Step 6: Assemble
- Divide cooked quinoa among four bowls. Top with roasted vegetables and drizzle generously with tahini sauce. Garnish with chopped parsley and toasted pumpkin seeds.
Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung
To ensure the vegetables roast rather than steam, avoid overcrowding the baking sheet; use two sheets if necessary to maintain a single layer.
Varianten und Anpassungen
Feel free to swap vegetables according to the season, such as using sweet potato, broccoli, or eggplant. For extra protein, add a serving of chickpeas or grilled tofu.
Serviervorschläge
Serve this bowl warm for a cozy dinner, or pack it cold for a nutritious meal-prep lunch. The tahini sauce can be made ahead and stored for up to 3 days.
Save It Enjoy this wholesome Roasted Vegetable Quinoa Bowl as a satisfying meal that is as beautiful to look at as it is delicious to eat.
Recipe FAQs
- → Can I make this bowl ahead of time?
Absolutely. The roasted vegetables and quinoa store well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Keep the tahini sauce separate and add it just before serving for the freshest texture.
- → What vegetables work best for roasting?
Hardy vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, root vegetables, and broccoli roast beautifully. Avoid delicate greens or vegetables with high water content like cucumbers, as they won't hold their texture well at high heat.
- → How do I keep quinoa from being mushy?
Rinse quinoa thoroughly before cooking to remove bitter saponins. Use the correct 2:1 water-to-quinoa ratio and let it stand covered for 5 minutes after simmering—this step is crucial for perfectly fluffy grains.
- → Can I add protein to this bowl?
Yes. Chickpeas, grilled tofu, roasted chicken, or shrimp all pair wonderfully with these flavors. Add them during the last 10 minutes of roasting if using chickpeas, or cook separately and assemble at the end.
- → Why did my tahini sauce seize up?
Tahini can temporarily thicken when mixed with acidic ingredients like lemon juice. Keep whisking and gradually add water until it smooths out into a pourable consistency. The sauce will become creamy again with patience.
- → Is this bowl freezer-friendly?
The roasted vegetables and quinoa freeze well for up to 3 months. However, the tahini sauce is best fresh—its texture changes after freezing and thawing. Make a fresh batch when you're ready to enjoy the leftovers.