Most of these quinoa recipes, while being healthy and tasty are also great for weeknight. None of them require special ingredients or are easily substituted. Also the use of canned chickpeas and lentils in a couple recipes makes them good pantry recipes so you probably have most of the ingredients on hand already. Quinoa has become so popular and with good reason. It is a great alternative to rice but with more protein which is important for vegetarians and vegans. Check out these recipes and let us know what you think of our One-Pot Quinoa Recipes for Weeknights!
Paella does not have to be complicated. This recipe uses canned chickpeas and can be made quickly on a weeknight. Usually paella requires short grain rice and saffron but this recipe does not require special ingredients. Quinoa is a great healthy substitute for the rice and turmeric is a stand in for the saffron. Other than the veggies like bell pepper, this recipe also uses mostly pantry ingredients but the mix of the fresh veggies makes for a delicious dinner.
Talk about comfort food, khichdi is the ultimate Indian comfort food. Khichdi is a very traditional dish where the rice and lentils are cooked together and usually have vegetables and spices added. This variation, our Easy Instant Pot Khichdi of course uses quinoa instead of rice for a healthier dish with the same delicious spices. This is another mostly pantry dish. In fact, the only veggies used in this khichdi are onion and tomato, two basics which are practically pantry ingredients anyway. Add some papadum, raita or cucumber slices on the side and this is a complete meal.
A variation on the usual vegetarian or vegan burger, our Vegan Falafel Burger for the Grill or Stovetop is great change from the usual. You still get that veggie burger vibe and texture with a falafel taste. Quinoa helps with the texture. If there are quinoa holdouts in your house this is the recipe to try. Once cooked you cannot even tell there is quinoa in these burgers.
Looking for more easy, healthy weeknight recipes? Try our Instant Pot Healthy Veggie Chili Mac: