Easy Vegetarian Dinner: Spicy Chickpea and Quinoa Bowl

Ingredients

• 1 cup quinoa, rinsed
• 2 cups vegetable broth
• 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
• 1 bell pepper, diced
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup spinach, chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh cilantro, for garnish
• Lemon wedges, for serving

Instructions

1. In a medium saucepan, combine the rinsed quinoa and vegetable broth, then bring it to a boil. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 15 minutes or until the quinoa is fluffy and liquid is absorbed.
2. While the quinoa cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and diced bell pepper, sautéing for about 5 minutes until they soften.
3. Stir in the minced garlic, smoked paprika, ground cumin, and cayenne pepper, cooking for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
4. Add the rinsed chickpeas to the skillet, stirring to coat them in the spices and cook for about 5 minutes until heated through. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Fold in the chopped spinach and cook for another 2-3 minutes until the spinach wilts.
6. Once the quinoa is cooked, fluff it with a fork and serve it in bowls topped with the spicy chickpea mixture.
7. Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve with lemon wedges on the side.