Twisted Jollof Quinoa & Okra Medley
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)
- Quinoa - 1 cup - rinsed
- Vegetable broth - 2 cups
- Okra - 1 cup - ends trimmed, cut into 1-inch pieces
- Medium red bell pepper - 1 - diced
- Medium onion - 1 - finely chopped
- Garlic cloves - 2 - minced
- Cherry tomatoes - 1 cup - halved
- Olive oil - 2 tbsp
- Cumin - 1 tsp
- Smoked paprika - 1 tsp
- Coriander - 1/2 tsp - ground
- Salt and black pepper - to taste
- Fresh basil leaves - a handful - for garnish
- Roasted peanuts - 1/4 cup - for garnish
Preparation
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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.
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Step 2 - 🌶️🥦🌶️Add in the bell pepper, okra, spices, salt, and pepper, cook until the vegetables are slightly tender.
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Step 3 - 🥣🧆🍲Stir in the quinoa and vegetable broth, bring to a boil.
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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.
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Step 5 - 🍅🥣🔥Stir in the halved cherry tomatoes, let it cook for another 2-3 minutes.
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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.