Lemon-Garlic Quinoa with Chickpea Sizzle

A refreshing and zesty quinoa dish tossed with garlicky chickpeas, perfect for a light meal or side.

⏱️ Cooking Time: 25 minutes | 🍽️ Servings: 1

Instructions

1. 1.
   Rinse the quinoa under cold water to remove its natural coating, which can taste bitter. Combine quinoa and water in a small pot and bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 15 minutes until all water is absorbed and quinoa is fluffy. Let it sit for 5 minutes with the lid on before fluffing with a fork.
2. 2.
   While the quinoa is cooking, heat 1 tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the drained chickpeas and sauté them for about 5 to 7 minutes until they start sizzling and turning golden brown. Shake the pan occasionally to ensure even browning.
3. 3.
   Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil into the skillet. Stir in the lemon juice and zest, mixing thoroughly until the chickpeas are evenly coated. Let it cook for an additional 2 minutes until the lemon juice is mostly absorbed, giving a vibrant citrus aroma.
4. 4.
   Combine the cooked quinoa with the chickpeas in the skillet, stirring well to integrate the flavors. Cook together on low heat for 2 minutes to allow the quinoa to absorb the lemony, garlicky goodness from the chickpeas.
5. 5.
   Taste and adjust seasoning as needed, adding more lemon or a pinch of salt for balance. Serve warm, ensuring you get a good mixture of quinoa and chickpeas in every bite. For extra zestiness, garnish with more lemon zest.