I wasn’t really planning a vegetarian theme here on Mom Foodie, but as I was writing up this carrot quinoa recipe, I realized that no meat has shown up in my recipes in almost two weeks. I guess Easter approaching has inspired me to make rabbit food…lol. No fears, my carnivorous friends, I have no plans to go vegetarian, I just don’t eat a lot of meat.
Carrot Patch Quinoa the Origin
I wanted something suited for either a simple yet satisfying vegetarian meal, or hearty side dish. Spring & Easter bunnies were both on my mind so the carrots were an obvious choice. I was just plain in the mood for quinoa, but it’s full protein profile of course does make it an ideal candidate for a vegetarian dish, so carrot quinoa it would be.
Dill is one of my favorite spring herbs, and a good partner for both carrots and quinoa, while being reminiscent of carrot tops as well (hence, the name Carrot Patch Quinoa). I chose to prepare the quinoa and carrots separately, to ensure the textures I wanted and so the carrot color would bleed into the quinoa. A thin glaze of honey and ginger was used to roast the carrots.
Carrot Quinoa Recipe Results
This carrot quinoa recipe is now one of my very favorite ways to prepare the pseudo grain. The carrots are roasted in a very light glaze before mixing into the quinoa. This helps intensify their flavor and makes for a great texture combo when eating. I like this so much the first time I made it, I’ve already made it again, with more fresh dill (which, was even better, thus is the version I’ve shared below).
- 1 cup quinoa
- 2 tsp oil
- 1 clove garlic (crushed/minced)
- 2 cups vegetable or chicken stock
- ½ cup freshly chopped dill
- 1 lb. carrots
- ½ tsp fresh grated ginger
- 1 tsp oil
- 1 tsp honey
- pinch of salt
- Preheat oven to 425 degrees, and put 1 tbs of oil in skillet over med-high heat.
- Add quinoa and garlic to skillet and stir frequently, until well toasted’
- Add stock, cover and reduce heat to low-med. Simmer until liquid is absorbed.
- Remove the quinoa from heat and stir in the chopped dill. Set aside covered until carrots are ready to add.
- While quinoa is simmering, chop carrots into thick angled logs, mix them up in a bowl with the ginger, oil, honey & salt.
- Spread the carrots out on sheet or roasting pan, and place in oven. Turn after ten minutes. Cook time will vary based on size of slices, but mine were perfect slightly firm in 20 minutes.
- Add the carrots to the quinoa & fold in gently.
So simple and so delicious!! I’ll have to keep this recipe in mind for a side for myself!
Love your dish! It is good to not eat a lot of meat.
First off, that carrot dish is SO CUTE! I love it. Secondly, this sounds so good. I was going to make my maple glazed carrots for Easter next week and I may actually try these now.
I just had quinoa for breakfast today. I love how versatile it is!
Your photos are so amazing! I get very excited about cooking when I read your blog! Thank you for posting such great recipes! I try many of them and have loved them all!
Look at that, it looks awesome!
Sounds like a great combination.
Going to have to try this!
Love this! I’m quinoa obsessed and just adore the dish!!
I love both carrots and quinoa so I know I’ll love this! Thanks for the recipe!
Looks delicious. I still need to try quinoa.
how tasty is that!! luv the dish
Sounds really good, and I love that dish!
That sounds really yummy & you displayed it so cute!!!
That looks really good! I love carrots.
That looks really good! I really love carrots and dill so I bet I’d love this!!!
Sounds like an amazing dish!
FANTASTIC — I have been pinning quinoa recipes left and right!
What a cute dish!
I love your presentation! Quinoa is a big deal around here, at least for myself and my infant. My hubby and toddler don’t like it at all, but it’s so healthy that I love to check out new recipes to try and get them to eat it
THIS LOOKS SUPER YUMMY! Thanks for sharing!
My niece loves quinoa and I know she would adore this recipe.
This looks so good!
What a cute plate!
I do meatless dishes so often, and I must say this looks like something I would thoroughly enjoy.
Ha ha – I love your play on words in the title! I made quinoa for the first time the other night, I’m now collecting recipes LOL!
Yummy! And super festive too
I lOVE carrots so I will have to try this.