Spanish quinoa is a delicious and healthy alternative to Spanish rice which is made with refined white rice. This protein-packed recipe is quick, easy, and is made in one pot. A perfect side dish on Taco Tuesday or a great addition to burritos or burrito bowls.

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I’ve been making Spanish rice for YEARS. My mother made the BEST Spanish rice and she taught me how to make it right before Tom and I got married. My mom learned how to make it from Mrs. Perez, who was a neighbor and also happened to be my Aunt Mary Kay’s mother-in-law. 

Mrs. Perez came over to our house every Christmas morning with homemade tamales, her incredible Spanish rice, and two types of salsa. To this day I crave that meal every Christmas morning!

I’ve tried to make Spanish rice using brown rice instead of white rice, but the texture is just not right. Recently, I decided to experiment using quinoa instead of white rice.

Quinoa is high in protein, fiber, and iron and is a whole grain and, as it turns out, it is DELICIOUS when I add the ingredients found in my favorite Spanish rice recipe! All of the flavors I love without using refined white rice. Perfect as a side dish with tacos or enchiladas or in a burrito bowl with my slow cooker refried beans.

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Spanish Quinoa

Spanish quinoa is a delicious and healthy alternative to Spanish rice which is made with refined white rice. This protein-packed recipe is quick, easy, and is made in one pot. A perfect side dish on Taco Tuesday or a great addition to burritos and burrito bowls.

Course Side Dish

Prep Time 10 minutes

Cook Time 20 minutes

Total Time 30 minutes

Servings 4

Ingredients

• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 cup onion, chopped
• 1 cup green pepper, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup quinoa
• 1 8 oz can tomato sauce
• 1 1/2 cups chicken or vegetable broth
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• fresh cilantro chopped for garnish

Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in saucepan over medium-high heat. Add onion and green pepper and saute for 2-3 minutes. Add garlic and continue sauteing another 2-3 minutes until tender.

2. Stir in quinoa, tomato sauce, broth, and garlic powder. Bring to a boil.

3. Once boiling, reduce heat to a simmer and cover. Simmer 20 minutes or until all liquid is absorbed. Fluff with fork and serve.

Recipe Notes

We recommend using organic ingredients whenever possible.