We all know how important it is to maintain a balanced diet, filled with vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and lean proteins, while avoiding too much sodium.

But how can we make meals that are both healthy and flavorful without the need for excessive salt or additives?

The answer might just lie in using flavor-enhancing ingredients like MSG (monosodium glutamate), which can elevate the taste of plant-based dishes. If you're looking for a simple and tasty meal that checks all the boxes for health and flavor, this easy quinoa bowl recipe is exactly what we need. Let's dive into how to make it!

Ingredients

To make this easy quinoa bowl, we don't need a long list of complicated ingredients. Just a few fresh and healthy items will do the trick:

• 1 ¾ cups of water

• 1 cup of uncooked quinoa

• 2 tablespoons of grapeseed oil

• 2 cups of diced yellow onions

• 1 teaspoon of umami seasoning or MSG (AJI-NO-MOTO®)

• ½ teaspoon of salt

• ¼ teaspoon of black pepper

These ingredients are simple yet packed with flavors that complement each other perfectly, creating a dish that's as nutritious as it is delicious.

Cooking Instructions

Now that we have all the ingredients, it's time to start cooking! Here's the step-by-step process to make our quinoa bowl:

1. First, combine the water and quinoa in a medium-sized pot. Stir them together and bring the mixture to a boil.

2. Once boiling, reduce the heat and cover the pot. Let it simmer for about 15 minutes, allowing the quinoa to cook thoroughly.

3. After 15 minutes, remove the pot from the heat, keeping it covered for another 5 minutes. This helps the quinoa fluff up and become even more delicious.

4. Use a fork to fluff the quinoa, and it's ready to serve!

While the quinoa is cooking, we can prepare the onions for the dish. Here's how:

1. Heat the grapeseed oil in a medium-sized pan over medium heat.

2. Add the diced onions to the pan and cook them for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Keep cooking until the onions turn golden and crispy.

Combining the Ingredients

Once both the quinoa and the onions are ready, we can combine them. Add the cooked onions, umami seasoning (or MSG), salt, and pepper into the cooked quinoa. Stir everything together until it's evenly mixed and all the flavors are well-distributed.

Customizing Your Quinoa Bowl

This quinoa bowl is versatile, and we can easily customize it by adding a variety of toppings. Some great options include:

• Sliced avocado for a creamy texture

• Fresh salsa for a zesty kick

• Roasted or pickled vegetables for extra flavor

• Grilled seafood or a poached egg for a protein boost

Feel free to get creative with your toppings and make this quinoa bowl your own. Whether you prefer it as a light lunch or a satisfying dinner, this dish will not disappoint.

Final Thoughts

This simple quinoa bowl is not only healthy and quick to prepare but also packed with bold flavors that will keep you coming back for more. With a balance of grains, vegetables, and seasonings, it's a meal that hits all the right notes without being overly complicated.

And the best part? You can adjust the toppings to suit your preferences, making it a perfect go-to meal for any occasion. So, next time you're looking for a nutritious and delicious dish, give this quinoa bowl a try!

We hope you enjoy this recipe, Lykkers! If you give it a shot, let us know how it turned out and what toppings you added. We're always excited to hear about your twists on this dish!