A vibrant rhythmic dance of colours and textures in a deep serving bowl. A base of warm, fluffy quinoa tinted shades of red from the tomatoes and spices, specked with green okras and bell peppers, subtly dusted with smoked paprika. Topped off with a garnish of fresh basil leaves and a scattering of roasted peanuts for an enticing crunch. The dish is surrounded by fresh ingredients, capturing a sense of freshness and authenticity.

Twisted Jollof Quinoa & Okra Medley

Category Main Course
Prep 15 minutes
Cook 25 minutes
Style African
Technique Sautéing
Diet Friendly Vegetarian

Daily Recipe: September 09, 2023

Buckling up for an experimental gastronomic journey, we take inspiration from African cuisine and put a creative twist to it with this vegetarian dish. Known for its richness, depth, and flavorful diversity, we focus on key seasonal ingredients such as okra, bell peppers, and a delicate balance of spices to stay authentic and exciting.

Ingredients (for 2)

Preparation

  1. Step 1 - 🍳🧅🧄
    Heat the olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic to the pan, sauté until fragrant and golden.
  2. Step 2 - 🌶️🥦🌶️
    Add in the bell pepper, okra, spices, salt, and pepper, cook until the vegetables are slightly tender.
  3. Step 3 - 🥣🧆🍲
    Stir in the quinoa and vegetable broth, bring to a boil.
  4. Step 4 - 🔥🥘⏲️
    Reduce the heat to low, cover the pan, and let it simmer for about 15-20 minutes or until the quinoa is cooked and has absorbed the broth.
  5. Step 5 - 🍅🥣🔥
    Stir in the halved cherry tomatoes, let it cook for another 2-3 minutes.
  6. Step 6 - 🥣🌱🥜
    Transfer the mixture to serving bowls. Top each bowl with a handful of fresh basil leaves and a scatter of roasted peanuts. Serve warm and enjoy!

Additional

This dish is a fun way to incorporate more fiber-rich okra into your diet. While traditional Jollof rice uses long grain rice, we've used quinoa which is a great source of protein and fiber - a perfect swap for vegetarians. Feel free to swap out or add different seasonal veggies for a twist. Get your kids to help you measure the ingredients, or even help chop some veggies under your supervision for a fun kitchen activity.