Quinoa Chickpea Bowls with Avocado Dressing

 

INGREDIENTS
For the Bowl:
  • 1 cup uncooked quinoa
  • 3 cups water (for cooking quinoa)
  • 1 TBSP extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 can low sodium chickpeas drained & rinsed
  • 2 large carrots, chopped
  • 3-4 cups spinach or kale
  • 1/2 cup finely sliced shallots
  • salt & pepper to taste
  • 1/4 tsp smoked paprika
  • dash turmeric
  • 4 TBSP feta or goat cheese, upon serving
For the Sauce:
  • 1/2 whole avocado
  • 2 TBSP extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 TBSP tahini
  • 1 clove garlic
  • 1 TBSP water
  • 1 TBSP lemon juice
  • 1/2 tsp sea salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
INSTRUCTIONS
  1. In a large pot, add quinoa and water and turn heat to high. Add sea salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, and turmeric. When water starts to bowl, turn down to a simmer, cover, and cook for about 12-15 minutes or until all water is absorbed and quinoa fluffs with a fork.
  2. While quinoa is cooking, chop carrots and shallots. In a large saute pan, add chickpeas (drained, rinsed, & patted dry with a paper towel), chopped carrots, and shallots and cook on medium-high heat for about 4-5 minutes.
  3. Add spinach to saute pan and continue to cook a few more minutes until spinach is wilted. Add additional salt and pepper to taste.
  4. Make the sauce: in a food processor, blend together avocado, olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, tahini, and salt & pepper until smooth. Set aside.
  5. Once quinoa is cooled, divide into 4 servings, top with spinach/carrot/shallot mixture, and drizzle with avocado dressing. Top with cheese if desired. Enjoy!