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What if you could serve a broccoli dish so delicious that everyone at the table would be begging for more? This one's quick, easy, healthy and a real crowd pleaser!
I know healthy and delicious don't always go together, but in this case, they're like peas in a pod! My family happens to like broccoli, but they LOVED this healthy, flavorful quinoa.
I always knew broccoli was good for you (My mama told me that!) but I didn't realize what a powerhouse of nutrition it was until recently. It's high in fiber, antioxidants, vitamin C, potassium, B6 and vitamin A. Broccoli also has anti-inflammatory, cholesterol lowering and cancer-preventing properties. And this is pretty amazing - recent studies have shown that this verdant veggie may actually be able to prevent (or reverse) some of the damage to blood vessel linings that can be caused by diabetes. Wow, right? On top of all this, broccoli is also low in sodium and is perfect for low-calorie diets; weighing in at only 31 calories per serving!
And then there's quinoa... known as one of the worlds healthiest grains, quinoa is high in protein and fiber and is sometimes referred to as “the mother grain” since it has more vitamins, nutrients, and antioxidants than any other grain.
On it's own, quinoa has a very mild taste, therefore it's a wonderfully healthy "blank pallet" that can take on a myriad of flavor profiles like this One Pot Mediterranean Quinoa, this delicious One Pot Mediterranean Quinoa or this One Pot Mediterranean Quinoa. Actually we've got a ton of quinoa recipes. You can check them all out here.
In addition to being healthy and delicious, this Broccoli Parmesan Quinoa is easy to put together. A pound of broccoli is steamed in the microwave for 3 minutes. Once it's cooled a bit, the broccoli gets chopped super fine. Next, a splash of oil is heated in a large sauté pan with minced garlic and red pepper flakes for a minute or two. Add cooked quinoa and lots of finely shredded parmesan cheese and give it all a good stir. You're done, except for a generous squeeze of fresh lemon juice just before serving.
The first time I made this Broccoli Parmesan Quinoa, I chopped the broccoli by hand. The next time, I decided to something different.
After steaming the broccoli and cooling it a bit, I threw the whole works into the bowl of my KitchenAid Food Processor, a favorite little workhorse in my kitchen.
I pulsed a few times and, voila! That was all it took, the broccoli was perfectly chopped and ready for the next step. Although chopping the broccoli by hand doesn't take that long, the food processor made this recipe super quick.
If you're not sure about quinoa, or perhaps you've tried it and didn't care too much for it, check out this tutorial on How to Make Perfect Quinoa . With this technique, the quinoa comes out light and fluffy with the quinoa grains separate, not all lumped together and soggy. There are a few small steps (explained in the post) that make all the difference in the world. I love to make a big pot of quinoa over the weekend and then use it for healthy salads and sides all week long.
Is the warmer weather getting you in the mood for grilling? Need a delicious, healthy side to go along with your chicken, steak, ribs, pork or whatever it is you're dreaming of? This Broccoli Parmesan Quinoa is it! It would also be great for potlucks, picnics or get-togethers at work. I love that can be made ahead and rewarmed (although it's also wonderful served at room temperature). And you can easily turn it into a main dish by adding shredded rotisserie chicken or roasted shrimp.
Although in many parts of the world, broccoli is a summer crop, beautiful, fresh broccoli is available year round at most grocery stores. Pick up a pretty bunch next time you're shopping and make a batch of this delicious quinoa soon. You don't have to share how healthy it is. You can just smile to yourself when they hand you an empty plate and request "More please!"
P.S. After Scott and I finished the photo shoot for this Broccoli Parmesan Quinoa it was mid-morning and we were hungry. Suddenly (surprise, surprise), I got an idea. I rewarmed the quinoa on two plates and topped each with a sunny side up egg. It was a fun and delicious breakfast... or lunch... whatever you want to call it... it was wonderful!
This is not a sponsored post. I was not compensated by KitchenAid for this post. I just happen to love their products. I was given the KitchenAid food processor last year.
- ½ recipe Perfect Quinoa cooked in low sodium chicken broth
- 1 pound broccoli crowns
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 2 medium cloves garlic finely minced
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese use good quality, freshly grated Parmesan
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
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Cut ½-inch off the bottom of the broccoli stalks and discard. Break broccoli into fairly equal sized florets. Place florets in a microwave safe bowl with 1 tablespoon of water. Cover bowl tightly with a lid or plastic wrap. Cook on high power for 2 ½ to 3 ½ minutes. Check after 2 ½ minutes, broccoli should be fairly tender, but not mushy. Remove cover, drain and set aside till cool enough to handle.
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Place drained broccoli on a large cutting board and finely chop OR place broccoli in the bowl of a food processor and pulse just until finely chopped. Don't chop too much or broccoli will liquify.
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Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large sauté pan over medium low heat. Add garlic and red pepper flakes. Cook for 1-2 minutes until softened and fragrant.
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Add chopped broccoli and 1 teaspoon salt. Sauté for another 2-3 minutes.
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Add quinoa and stir to combine. Add parmesan. Taste and season with more salt, if needed, and freshly ground black pepper. Squeeze lemon juice over the top and stir. Transfer to a serving platter or individual plates or bowls. Garnish with lemon wedges and more parmesan cheese, if desired. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Melissa says
I can't wait to try this recipe! I roast broccoli in the oven with garlic, olive oil, cracked pepper, and lemon zest on a weekly basis. It's so good finished off with some lemon juice. I always eat it over quinoa! I love the sound of your recipe it sounds a lot simpler and less time consuming than how I do it and I bet it tastes amazing. I know what I'm having tomorrow for dinner!
Chris Scheuer says
I think you'll love it Melissa! Let us know!
Ashley says
How much quinoa in this recipe?
Chris Scheuer says
The quinoa is 1/2 of a recipe for Perfect Quinoa.
linda says
I'm not seeing the list of ingredients for the Perfect Quinoa in order to determine what is 1/2 of it. Can you direct me to the ingredients list?
Chris Scheuer says
Hi Linda,
If you scroll all the way to the bottom of the Quinoa tutorial, you’ll find the recipe.
Jenna says
Excellent recipe. Does anyone know if it reheats well the following day? I would love to bring leftovers for lunch, but I worry that the broccoli will get too soft.
Chris Scheuer says
Yes Jenna, it reheats wonderful!
Karen S. says
I made this the other day and it was delicious! Do you think it would freeze well?
Chris Scheuer says
I haven't tried to freeze it Karen. Perhaps someone else has.
Sandra says
So many delicious options for topping this vibrant dish. My son in Atlanta is coming for a visit in a couple of months and I will be sure and make this for him. He's a big quinoa fan!
Paula Graff says
This morning I tried the sunny side up egg over my leftover quinoa/broccoli. So yummy! I am going to use any leftovers I have for this delicious meal more often!
Susan says
I've always enjoyed broccoli and even got my husband to eat it after we were married 🙂 What a delicious idea to combine it with quinoa, Chris! Love the idea of the egg on top too.
TheKitchenLioness says
Dear Chris, as I said on Instagram, this recipe is you - it is healthy and colorful and delicious and everything I love about your recipes!
John/Kitchen Riffs says
I've "riced" broccoli before (like it better than cauliflower rice), but never combined it with quinoa like this. Wow! Terrific idea. So nutritious, and great flavor. This is genius -- thanks.
Sara says
I bought a gigantic bag of quinoa for a project and have been looking for ways to use it up, broccoli happens to be my kids' favorite veggie so I'm definitely trying this soon!
Danielle says
We love Broccoli and I agree its a wonderful "pallet" for so many delicious dishes this looks delicious and I love the idea with an egg on top now you have my wheels turning hmmmm love the recipe and it's delicious thanks Chris for sharing.
Chris Scheuer says
You're welcome Danielle, hope you enjoy it!
Tricia @ Saving room for dessert says
I am such a broccoli fan - so this is a must make for me! It looks lovely and light and it makes me feel better just looking at it - great recipe Chris!
Denise Browning says
Chris: What a great recipe especially for those who are on a diet like me. I will have to try this.
Chris Scheuer says
It's so tasty, you won't feel deprived!
cheri says
Hi Chris, love broccoli and quinoa, so clever to chopped it up and serve it like this. An egg on top makes this a complete meal. Very nice. Pinned.
Laura (Tutti Dolci) says
I love lighter meals come spring. This is exactly what I'm craving!
Diane says
Neither my husband or I can get to really like Quinoa though we do not hate it. Maybe this recipe will give us the kick we need to change our minds. Hope you are well Diane
Liz says
I am not a quinoa fan either and use buckwheat - another non-grain but used like a grain - in place of it ... actually Kasha (roast buckwheat groats which you cook like quinoa). Another advantage is that buckwheat grows readily most places AND it has benefits for blood pressure as well as nearly the protein of quinoa as well as the fiber. The taste is a bit nuttier but it is still subtle enough to work where quinoa works.
I used this recipe as an idea as I didn't have broccoli but did have cauliflower and asparagus so did the buckwheat, cauliflower, parm mix as written and added some asparagus for color!
Angie@Angie's Recipes says
I always love your healthy and delicious creations, Chris. This is so beautifully done too.
Vicki Bensinger says
Chris this sounds wonderful and full of health benefits. I try to use broccoli often especially since we don't always get the calcium we need because we don't drink a lot of milk. or dairy products.
With quinoa being a superfood along with the broccoli this is a fantastic dish to serve. Thanks for sharing this recipe. I'll be sure to make this.
Robyn @ Simply Fresh Dinners says
Oh my goodness, I love your creativity, Chris! Such a delicious, beautiful dish and the egg on top is genius. I'm a big fan of quinoa and cook it often and can't wait to try this.
Muna Kenny says
I never tried Quinoa before, but I think it's time. Your clicks are delicious Chris 🙂
Jennifer @ Seasons and Suppers says
Love this and perfect with that runny egg! Such lovely photos, too 🙂
Monique says
This is a definite for me..I love quinoa..and broccoli but am finding it tougher and tougher.Perfect this way.Thanks!
sue|theviewfromgreatisland says
I'd go for that egg on top every time...and a drizzle of hot sauce...my ideal dinner 🙂
Adina says
It looks so pretty and so simple. I can imagine a piece of salmon on top, at least this is the combination I crave now... 🙂
Debra Eliotseats says
Love the egg on top, Chris. After days of leftover Easter ham-sandwiches in our future, I need a healthier option soon!
Chris Scheuer says
So true Debra!