Quinoa Power Breakfast W Roasted Radishes Recipe

Here’s a little secret: my new favorite obsession is this vibrant quinoa salad with roasted radishes and feta, which not only wins in the flavor department but also feels like a mini celebration in every bite!

My day starts with a deliciously nutritious boost. My Quinoa Power Breakfast with Roasted Radishes is perfect for that.

It is packed with protein from quinoa and elevated by the vibrant flavors of roasted radishes and spinach. When I say this is a satisfying breakfast, I mean it.

Top it with some almonds, feta cheese, and a little lemon juice, and you have a breakfast that not only tastes incredible but also gives you sustainable energy until your next meal.

Ingredients

• Quinoa: High in protein and fiber, a healthy whole grain.
• Radishes: Low-calorie, peppery; rich in vitamin C and fiber.
• Spinach: Iron-rich leafy greens; high in vitamins A, C, and K.
• Almonds: Source of healthy fats and vitamin E; adds crunch.
• Feta Cheese: Creamy and tangy; adds calcium and protein.
• Lemon Juice: Citrusy tang; excellent source of vitamin C.
• Honey: Natural sweetener; adds a hint of sweetness.
• Cumin Seeds: Warm and earthy spice; enhances flavor depth.

Ingredient Quantities

• 1 cup quinoa, rinsed and drained
• 2 cups water
• 1 bunch radishes, trimmed and quartered
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1/2 cup baby spinach leaves
• 2 tablespoons almonds, sliced
• 2 tablespoons crumbled feta cheese
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1/2 teaspoon lemon zest
• 1 teaspoon honey
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
• 1 teaspoon cumin seeds

How to Make this

1. Oven temperature should be set to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (200 degrees Celsius).

2. Combine the radishes with olive oil, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Pour this mixture onto a baking sheet and place the sheet in the oven. Roast for 20-25 minutes, until the radishes are tender and just a bit golden.

3. Bring to a boil in a medium saucepan 2 cups water. Stir in the rinsed quinoa. Reduce to a simmer, cover, and cook for 15 minutes, or until the water is absorbed. Remove from heat, fluff with a fork, and cover again for 5 minutes.

4. As the quinoa is cooking, take a small frying pan and put it on medium heat. Into the pan, place the cumin seeds and toast them for 1-2 minutes or until they become aromatic. You now have a small amount of freshly toasted cumin to enjoy and savor.

5. In a big bowl, mix the prepared quinoa, the roasted radishes, the tender spinach, and the slivered almonds.

6. In a tiny dish, blend with a whisk the juice of a lemon, the zest from a lemon, honey, and well-toasted cumin seeds.

7. Over the mixture of quinoa, dressing, and the rest of the ingredients, pour. Toss and serve.

8. Include the feta cheese and parsley in the salad.

9. Add more salt and pepper if needed for taste.

10. Serve at room temperature or warm, and enjoy the vibrant combination of flavors and textures.

Equipment Needed

1. Oven
2. Baking sheet
3. Mixing bowl
4. Medium saucepan with lid
5. Small frying pan
6. Fork
7. Large mixing bowl
8. Small dish
9. Whisk

FAQ

• What is the best way to rinse quinoa?Rinse the quinoa as directed below in a fine mesh strainer. Do not skip this step, as it removes quinoa’s natural coating, called saponin, which can make cooked quinoa taste bitter or soapy (this saponin is not harmful; in fact, it’s a good natural pesticide). Rinsing the quinoa and allowing it to drain well ensures that it will have a pleasant taste and fluffy texture once it’s cooked.

  You need: 1 cup quinoa, a fine mesh strainer, and cold water.

  1. Place the quinoa in a fine mesh strainer.
  2. Rinse under cold water for 30 seconds.
  3. Allow it to drain well.

• Can I use a different type of greens instead of spinach?You can replace the spinach with kale, arugula, or even chopped Swiss chard for a different flavor and texture.
• How should I prepare the radishes?Cut off the tops and roots of the radishes, wash them well, and cut them into quarters for even roasting.
• What’s the best way to roast radishes?Combine the radishes with olive oil, salt, and pepper, and then roast them at 400 degrees Fahrenheit (200 degrees Celsius) for 20 to 25 minutes, or until tender and caramelized in spots. Caramelized radishes are a treat.
• Can I use a different cheese instead of feta?Certainly, feta can be traded for goat cheese, or even fresh mozzarella, if you prefer a taste that is milder.
• What can I use instead of honey to make it vegan?A vegan-friendly version of this breakfast can be made by substituting honey for agave syrup or maple syrup.
• How do I store leftovers?Keep any remaining portions in an airtight container in the fridge for no longer than 3 days. Consume them cold or warm them carefully before you dig in.

Quinoa Power Breakfast W Roasted Radishes Recipe Substitutions and Variations

For quinoa: Substitute with millet or couscous for another grain with a different texture.
For radishes: Use carrots or turnips instead. They are similar and make great roasted vegetables.
In place of olive oil, use either avocado oil or grapeseed oil.
To replace the almonds, use walnuts or pecans for a similarly nutty flavor. But if you want to go totally offscript, try sesame seeds, flaxseeds, or sunflower seeds.
For feta cheese: Use goat cheese or ricotta for a cheesy alternative.

Pro Tips

1. Perfectly Fluffy Quinoa: Ensure your quinoa is perfectly fluffy by letting it steam after cooking. Once you’ve fluffed it with a fork, cover the pot again and let it sit for an additional 5 minutes to absorb any remaining moisture.