Savory Carrot Spinach Quinoa Bowl (Print Version)
Quinoa with sautéed carrots, wilted spinach, a fried egg and feta for a protein-packed breakfast bowl.
# List of Ingredients:
→ Grains
01 - 1 cup quinoa, rinsed
02 - 2 cups water or low-sodium vegetable broth
→ Vegetables
03 - 1 cup carrots, peeled and grated
04 - 2 cups fresh baby spinach
05 - 1 small red onion, finely diced
06 - 1 clove garlic, minced
→ Dairy & Eggs
07 - 2 large eggs
08 - 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled
→ Seasonings & Oils
09 - 2 tablespoons olive oil
10 - 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
11 - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
12 - 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
13 - Pinch chili flakes (optional)
→ Garnishes
14 - 1 tablespoon fresh parsley or chives, chopped
15 - 1/2 avocado, sliced (optional)
# Step-by-step Instructions:
01 - In a medium saucepan, bring water or broth to a boil. Stir in quinoa, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes or until the liquid is fully absorbed. Remove from heat and gently fluff with a fork.
02 - Meanwhile, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced red onion and cook for 2 minutes until softened. Add garlic and sauté for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant.
03 - Add grated carrots to the skillet. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until tender yet vibrant.
04 - Introduce fresh spinach and cook, stirring, until fully wilted, about 1–2 minutes. Season with sea salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika. Transfer vegetable mixture to a bowl and keep warm.
05 - In the same skillet, heat the remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil. Fry eggs to your preferred doneness, such as sunny side up or over-easy. Season lightly with salt and pepper.
06 - Divide the quinoa evenly between two serving bowls. Top each with the sautéed vegetables, a fried egg, crumbled feta cheese, and avocado slices if desired.
07 - Finish with a sprinkle of fresh herbs and chili flakes if using. Serve immediately for best texture and flavor.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- It feels like eating a cozy café breakfast at home (without changing out of pajamas).
- The flavors are so lively yet mellow enough to customize however you like.
02 -
- If you skip rinsing the quinoa it turns out just a bit bitter—I found this the hard way.
- Adding the spinach after the heat is lowered keeps the color vibrant and the flavor fresh.
03 -
- Stir in a drop of olive oil to the finished quinoa for extra silkiness.
- If your pan is small, sauté the veggies in two batches so nothing gets soggy.