One-Pot Moroccan Quinoa
A hearty, nutritious one-pot meal made with fluffy quinoa, chickpeas, sweet potatoes, tomatoes, and Moroccan spices like cumin, cinnamon, and paprika. It’s naturally vegan, gluten-free, and 100% comforting.
Time
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 25–30 minutes
Total time: ~35–40 minutes
Servings: 4
Ingredients
1 tbsp olive oil
1 small onion, chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 medium sweet potato, peeled and diced small
1 tsp ground cumin
1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
1 tsp smoked paprika
1/4 tsp turmeric
Salt and black pepper to taste
1 cup quinoa, rinsed well
1 can (15 oz / 400g) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
1 can (14 oz / 400g) diced tomatoes
2 cups vegetable broth or water
1/4 cup chopped dried apricots or raisins
2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley or cilantro
Lemon wedges, for serving
Optional topping: toasted almonds or pumpkin seeds
Instructions
1. Saute the Aromatics
In a large pot or deep skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
Add onion and saute 3–4 minutes until soft. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds more.
2. Add Spices & Veggies
Stir in sweet potatoes, cumin, cinnamon, paprika, turmeric, salt, and pepper. Cook for 2–3 minutes to toast the spices.
3. Add Quinoa & Liquids
Add quinoa, chickpeas, diced tomatoes (with juices), broth, and dried fruit (if using).
Stir to combine, bring to a boil.
4. Simmer
Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 20–25 minutes, or until the quinoa is cooked and liquid is absorbed.
Fluff with a fork and let it sit (covered) for 5 minutes.
5. Finish & Serve
Stir in fresh herbs and squeeze in lemon juice to taste.
Top with toasted nuts/seeds if you like a little crunch!
Notes
Want it spicy? Add harissa or a pinch of cayenne pepper.
Add greens: Stir in spinach or kale in the last 5 minutes of cooking.
Meal prep magic: Keeps in the fridge up to 5 days, freezes well too.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use couscous instead of quinoa?
A: Yes — but cook the couscous separately and stir it in at the end (it doesn’t need as much time/liquid as quinoa).
Q: Can I add meat?
A: Yes! Add ground lamb, chicken, or turkey in Step 1 before adding the veggies.
Q: Do I have to use sweet potato?
A: Nope. Butternut squash or carrots work great too.
Nutritional Information
Calories 360 kcal
Protein 12g
Carbs 52g
Fiber 10g
Sugar 10g
Fat 10g
Saturated Fat 1g
Sodium 400mg