Warm up your winter evenings with a delightful bowl of Winter Ragout with Kale and Quinoa! This hearty vegetarian dish is not only packed with nutrients but also brimming with flavor, making it the perfect comfort food for chilly nights. Imagine a medley of tender kale, protein-rich chickpeas, and fluffy quinoa simmered together in a savory broth—each bite is a celebration of wholesome ingredients. Whether you're a seasoned chef or a kitchen novice, this recipe promises to be a hit at your dinner table. Ready to discover how to create this nourishing dish? Let’s dive into the details!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 40 mins
Total Time: 55 mins
Cuisine: Vegetarian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup quinoa
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 2 cups kale, chopped
- 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained
- 1 carrot, diced
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tsp thyme
Instructions
- Rinse the quinoa thoroughly under cold water using a fine-mesh strainer to remove any bitter coating.
- In a medium saucepan, combine the quinoa with vegetable broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-18 minutes until the liquid is absorbed and quinoa is fluffy.
- While the quinoa cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat.
- Add diced onions and carrots to the skillet, sautéing until the onions become translucent and slightly golden, about 5-6 minutes.
- Mince the garlic and add to the skillet, cooking for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Drain and rinse the chickpeas, then add them to the skillet along with the chopped kale.
- Sprinkle dried thyme, salt, and pepper over the vegetable mixture, stirring to combine and distribute seasonings evenly.
- Cook the vegetable mixture for 8-10 minutes, allowing the kale to wilt and become tender.
- Once quinoa is cooked, fluff with a fork and fold it into the vegetable mixture.
- Taste and adjust seasonings as needed, adding more salt, pepper, or thyme to enhance the flavor profile.
- Serve hot in deep bowls, ensuring an even distribution of quinoa, vegetables, and chickpeas.
Tips
- Rinse Quinoa Thoroughly: Don’t skip the rinsing step! This crucial process removes the saponins, which can give quinoa a bitter taste. Use a fine-mesh strainer for best results.
- Customize Your Veggies: Feel free to swap out the kale or add other seasonal vegetables like sweet potatoes or bell peppers to make this dish your own.
- Perfectly Fluffy Quinoa: To achieve that light and fluffy texture, let the quinoa sit covered for a few minutes after cooking before fluffing it with a fork.
- Enhance the Flavor: Experiment with additional spices like smoked paprika or a dash of chili flakes for a little kick, or stir in some lemon juice for brightness.
- Make Ahead: This ragout keeps well in the fridge for up to three days, making it a great option for meal prep. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of vegetable broth to keep it moist.
- Serve with a Twist: For an extra layer of flavor, top your ragout with a dollop of Greek yogurt or a sprinkle of feta cheese before serving.
- Presentation Matters: Serve in deep bowls and garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro for a pop of color and freshness.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 12g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 0mg
