Tasty Vegan Recipes Reader Favorites

Ever had one of those days where you want something that’s easy on the prep but seriously packs a flavor punch? Dive into this vibrant quinoa and veggie stir-fry—it’s like a color explosion on your plate that’s as good for your soul as it is for your taste buds!

Creating delicious and colorful vegan dishes is one of my passions. One of my very favorites is a dish of protein-rich quinoa, perfectly complemented by hefty amounts of chickpeas and a variety of vibrant, colorful veggies—like bell pepper, zucchini, and cherry tomatoes—thrown in.

It’s a dish of such rich flavor and texture that you almost forget how simple it was to pull together—almost! The key, it seems to me, is to make sure that you use enough aromatic ingredients to imbue the whole thing with savory depth, even if they are really just variations on the old onion-garlic-sauté routine.

Tasty Vegan Recipes Reader Favorites Ingredients

• Quinoa: High in protein and fiber, supports digestion and muscle health.
• Chickpeas: Protein-rich and full of fiber, contribute to heart and gut health.
• Bell Pepper: Packed with vitamins A and C, adds sweetness and crunch.
• Onion: Provides flavor depth and contains antioxidants beneficial for health.
• Olive Oil: Heart-healthy fat, adds richness and flavor.
• Cilantro: Adds fresh flavor and contains vitamins A and K.
• Lime: Boosts flavor with acidity, provides vitamin C.

Tasty Vegan Recipes Reader Favorites Ingredient Quantities

• 1 cup quinoa, rinsed
• 2 cups water
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 bell pepper, diced
• 1 zucchini, diced
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 cup canned chickpeas, drained and rinsed
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• ½ teaspoon chili powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
• 1 lime, juiced

How to Make this Tasty Vegan Recipes Reader Favorites

1. In a medium saucepan, bring 2 cups of water to a rolling boil. Stir in the thoroughly rinsed quinoa. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 15 minutes, or until the quinoa is fluffy and all the water has been absorbed. Set it aside.

2. In a sizable skillet, warm the olive oil. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 2-3 minutes until it is see-through.

3. Minced garlic is to be added to the skillet, and then for an additional minute, it is to be sautéed until it becomes fragrant.

4. Add the diced bell pepper and zucchini, and cook for approximately 5 minutes until the vegetables are tender.

5. Add the drained chickpeas and halved cherry tomatoes to the skillet, and cook for another 2 minutes, stirring frequently.

6. Add flavor to the vegetable mix with soy sauce, and the following spices: ground cumin, smoked paprika, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Blend well to make sure the spices evenly coat the vegetables.

7. Combine in the skillet and heat through and combine well.

8. Take the skillet off the heat and mix in the freshly chopped cilantro.

9. Extract the juice of a single lime onto the mixture of quinoa and vegetables, and stir once more to amalgamate the lime juice with the rest of the ingredients.

10. Serve this warm as a main dish or as a side, garnished with extra cilantro if desired. Enjoy your tasty vegan meal!

Tasty Vegan Recipes Reader Favorites Equipment Needed

1. Medium saucepan with lid
2. Sizable skillet
3. Wooden spoon or spatula
4. Cutting board
5. Chef’s knife
6. Measuring cups
7. Measuring spoons
8. Citrus juicer (or reamer)
9. Colander or sieve (for rinsing quinoa and chickpeas)
10. Serving spoon or ladle

FAQ

• Can I use a different grain instead of quinoa?You may use other grains, such as brown rice, couscous, or farro, in place of quinoa, but they may require different cooking times.
• Is there a substitute for chickpeas?In the absence of chickpeas, black beans or cannellini beans make a good substitute.
• What can I use instead of soy sauce?Soy sauce can be substituted with tamari for a gluten-free choice or coconut aminos for a soy-free option.
• How can I make this recipe spicier?Add more chili powder or a pinch of cayenne pepper if you want extra heat.
• Can I prepare this dish in advance?You can prepare it the day before and keep it in the refrigerator for 3 days, letting the flavors come together.
• How can I serve this dish?You can serve this dish as a main course, but it also works well as a side or a filling for wraps.
• Can I omit cilantro?You can replace fresh cilantro with parsley or just leave it out altogether if you don’t like it.

Tasty Vegan Recipes Reader Favorites Substitutions and Variations

1 cup rinsed quinoa can be substituted with 1 cup bulgur or couscous.
1 bell pepper, diced
can be substituted with diced carrots or peas.
1 zucchini, diced (I use a peeler to remove the skin; the skin can be bitter, especially in older zucchinis and is often where a lot of the nutrients are. But I’m not a nutritionist, so if you think the skin’s where the nutrition is, by all means eat it! You can also use yellow squash or eggplant in this recipe instead of zoning in on the zucchini.)
1 cup canned chickpeas, drained and rinsed, can be substituted with white beans or black beans.
Tamari or coconut aminos can be used to replace soy sauce in equal amounts.

Pro Tips

1. Toast the Quinoa Before cooking, toast the rinsed quinoa in the saucepan over medium heat for a few minutes until it becomes slightly golden and gives off a nutty aroma. This enhances the flavor of the quinoa significantly.

2. Use Vegetable Broth Substitute the water with vegetable broth when cooking the quinoa. This adds depth to the dish and enhances its overall savory profile.

3. Char the Vegetables For added flavor, allow the bell pepper and zucchini to char slightly in the skillet. This brings a smoky flavor to the dish that complements the spices well.

4. Adjust Spices to Taste The spice level can be adjusted by increasing or decreasing the chili powder. You can also add a pinch of cayenne pepper if you prefer more heat.

5. Fresh Lime Zest Add freshly grated lime zest along with the juice for an extra citrusy punch. This will elevate the freshness of the dish.