I wasn't really planning a vegetarian theme here on Mom Foodie, but as I was writing up this carrot quinoa recipe, I realized that no meat has shown up in my recipes in almost two weeks. I guess Easter approaching has inspired me to make rabbit food...lol. No fears, my carnivorous friends, I have no plans to go vegetarian, I just don't eat a lot of meat.
Carrot Patch Quinoa the Origin
I wanted something suited for either a simple yet satisfying vegetarian meal, or hearty side dish. Spring & Easter bunnies were both on my mind so the carrots were an obvious choice. I was just plain in the mood for quinoa, but it's full protein profile of course does make it an ideal candidate for a vegetarian dish, so carrot quinoa it would be.
Dill is one of my favorite spring herbs, and a good partner for both carrots and quinoa, while being reminiscent of carrot tops as well (hence, the name Carrot Patch Quinoa). I chose to prepare the quinoa and carrots separately, to ensure the textures I wanted and so the carrot color would bleed into the quinoa. A thin glaze of honey and ginger was used to roast the carrots.
Carrot Quinoa Recipe Results
This carrot quinoa recipe is now one of my very favorite ways to prepare the pseudo grain. The carrots are roasted in a very light glaze before mixing into the quinoa. This helps intensify their flavor and makes for a great texture combo when eating. I like this so much the first time I made it, I've already made it again, with more fresh dill (which, was even better, thus is the version I've shared below).
If you prefer your carrots and quinoa separate, try my Crock Pot Glazed Carrots and Prosciutto, Garlic and Pecan Quinoa.
Carrot Quinoa | Dill-icious Carrot Patch Quinoa Recipe
Ingredients
Quinoa
- 1 cup quinoa
- 2 teaspoon oil
- 1 clove garlic crushed/minced
- 2 cups vegetable or chicken stock
- ½ cup freshly chopped dill
Carrots
- 1 lb. carrots
- ½ teaspoon ginger fresh grated
- 1 teaspoon oil
- 1 teaspoon honey
- pinch of salt
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 425 degrees, and put 1 tbs of oil in skillet over med-high heat.
- Add quinoa and garlic to skillet and stir frequently, until well toasted'
- Add stock, cover and reduce heat to low-med. Simmer until liquid is absorbed.
- Remove the quinoa from heat and stir in the chopped dill. Set aside covered until carrots are ready to add.
- While quinoa is simmering, chop carrots into thick angled logs, mix them up in a bowl with the ginger, oil, honey & salt.
- Spread the carrots out on sheet or roasting pan, and place in oven. Turn after ten minutes. Cook time will vary based on size of slices, but mine were perfect slightly firm in 20 minutes.
- Add the carrots to the quinoa & fold in gently.
Nutrition
Nichol says
So simple and so delicious!! I'll have to keep this recipe in mind for a side for myself!
LyndaS says
Love your dish! It is good to not eat a lot of meat.
Robin (Masshole Mommy) says
First off, that carrot dish is SO CUTE! I love it. Secondly, this sounds so good. I was going to make my maple glazed carrots for Easter next week and I may actually try these now.
Marcie W. says
I just had quinoa for breakfast today. I love how versatile it is!
Jennifer The Quirky Momma says
Your photos are so amazing! I get very excited about cooking when I read your blog! Thank you for posting such great recipes! I try many of them and have loved them all!
Stefani says
Sounds like a great combination.
courtney says
Love this! I'm quinoa obsessed and just adore the dish!!
Ty @ Mama of 3 Munchkins says
I love both carrots and quinoa so I know I'll love this! Thanks for the recipe!
Kathleen says
Looks delicious. I still need to try quinoa.
Tricia Nightowlmama says
how tasty is that!! luv the dish
Shell Fruscione says
That sounds really yummy & you displayed it so cute!!!
HilLesha @To the Motherhood says
That looks really good! I love carrots.
Jennifer @TheRebelChick says
That looks really good! I really love carrots and dill so I bet I'd love this!!!
Mellisa says
Sounds like an amazing dish!
Rachel @ Following In My Shoes says
FANTASTIC -- I have been pinning quinoa recipes left and right!
Elaina- @atimeout4mommy says
I love your presentation! Quinoa is a big deal around here, at least for myself and my infant. My hubby and toddler don't like it at all, but it's so healthy that I love to check out new recipes to try and get them to eat it
Kelly @ A Girl Worth Saving says
My niece loves quinoa and I know she would adore this recipe.
Liz @ A Nut in a Nutshell says
I do meatless dishes so often, and I must say this looks like something I would thoroughly enjoy.
Tammy says
Ha ha - I love your play on words in the title! I made quinoa for the first time the other night, I'm now collecting recipes LOL!
rachel @runningrachel says
Yummy! And super festive too 😉
Toni says
I lOVE carrots so I will have to try this.
Colleen says
This was delicious and easy to prepare. No missing the gluten.