I love smoked paprika — and even more, I love when I’m able to add the word “smoky” to a recipe title. It seems to add allure and mystery — and it always hints towards deliciousness.
This is no ordinary quinoa my friends, each seed (yup, quinoa is a seed, not a grain), is packed with the flavors of the smoked paprika and fresh lemons.
Whenever you cook anything like this, (simmering food in a liquid, like rice, lentils, couscous, etc.), you should always think about adding flavors to the water or using a flavored liquid instead, such as stock, broth, or even fruit juice. Doing this will always make whatever you’re cooking more interesting and exciting.
This is an ideal, quick and easy side dish for almost any meal. It would be perfect with Apple-Bacon Roasted Chicken (pictured below) for a lovely, casual weekend get together. 
Enjoy!
If you want more “smoky” recipes, check out the list below:
Somky Tomato Fish Stew
Smoky Red Lentil “Hummus”
Smoky Tomato Chipotle Bacon Deviled Eggs
Smoky Lemon Vegetable Quinoa
Smoky Chipotle Breakfast Nachos
Smoky Paprika-Bacon Roasted Turkey
Smoky Chipotle Parmesan French Fries
- 1 cup dry quinoa
- 1-3/4 cups water
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest from about 1 small lemon
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice from about 1 small lemon
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
- 1/8 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
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In a small to medium-sized sauce pan, combine all of the ingredients.
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Gently stir to be sure everything is mixed in.
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Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover the pan, and simmer until all of the liquid has been absorbed, about 15 minutes.
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Stir to fluff it up a bit.
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Serve!
If you have Meyer lemons, use them!
Lentil Breakdown says
Why, it’s Andean Moroccan or Bolivoccan. Sounds intriguing, indeed!
Deb says
My family adores quinoa! Pairing the ancient grain with lemon and smokey paprika is inspired!
valentina says
Hope you try it, Deb — I think you’ll really enjoy it. 😀
Alyssa | Queen of Quinoa says
Lovely recipe! Simple and scrumptious, just how I like to make my quinoa dishes. It’s such a great ingredient, that I like to highlight it with flavors just like you have here. Will be pinning this for sure!
I’d also love for you to come share this recipe over at Thanks Goodness It’s Quinoa, a bi-weekly link party celebrating all things quinoa. I know our readers will adore this recipe just as much as we do!
http://www.queenofquinoa.me/2013/03/thank-goodness-its-quinoa-tgiq-6/
Happy Friday!
Alyssa