If you’re looking for a tasty, healthy, and super easy meal that’s packed with flavor, you’ve got to try this Quinoa and Lentils with Garlicky Pumpkin Seeds recipe. It’s a perfect blend of wholesome ingredients that come together in just 20 minutes. Trust me, this dish is as delicious as it is nutritious—and it’s sure to become a regular in your meal rotation. Let’s get cooking!
Try my Easy Puffed Quinoa Bars recipe.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
→ Quick & Easy: Ready in just 20 minutes. You can’t beat that for a healthy meal, right?
→ Packed with Flavor: The garlicky pumpkin seeds add a crunchy, savory kick that pairs perfectly with the quinoa and lentils.
→ Super Nutritious: A great mix of protein, fiber, and healthy fats—your body will thank you.
→ Customizable: Feel free to swap out ingredients to fit what you have in your pantry.
→ Perfect for Meal Prep: Make a batch, store it in the fridge, and enjoy it for a few days—easy peasy!
→ Warm or Room Temp: It’s great no matter how you serve it, so it works for any occasion.
Try my Tahini Rainbow Quinoa Salad recipe.
What You’ll Need To Make
Let’s talk about some of the key ingredients in this dish that make it so delicious and nutritious:
→ Quinoa: This tiny grain is packed with protein and fiber, making it a great base for any meal. Plus, it’s gluten-free, so it’s perfect if you’re looking for a wholesome, plant-based option. 🌾
→ Lentils: These little guys are an amazing source of protein and iron. They’re also super filling, so you’ll stay satisfied for hours. 🥣
→ Garlicky Pumpkin Seeds: These crispy, garlicky seeds add the perfect crunch and a savory, umami flavor to your dish. Trust me, they make all the difference! 🧄🎃
→ Pickled Red Onions: The tangy, sweet kick of pickled onions takes this recipe to the next level. They add a burst of flavor and a pop of color to your bowl. 🌈
Get my Homemade Pickled Red Onions recipe, here.
→ Tofu Ricotta: For that creamy, dreamy texture, tofu ricotta is a must. It’s plant-based, light, and adds a delicious richness to your dish. 🧀
Get my Creamy Tofu Ricotta recipe, here.
These ingredients come together to create a meal that’s not only good for you but also super tasty and satisfying! 🙌
NOTE: For measurements and rest of the ingredients check the recipe card below.
What You’ll Need To Do
Time required: 20 mins
1| Start by bringing 10 fl oz. (300ml) of water to a boil in a medium pot. Throw in a pinch of salt and the quinoa, then lower the heat, cover it up, and let it cook for about 12 minutes or until all the water is soaked up. Give it a fluff with a fork and set it aside for later.
2| While that’s happening, heat 2 tbsp. of olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Toss in the garlic and let it sizzle for about a minute. Stir in the coriander and pumpkin seeds, cooking for another 2-3 minutes. Add the red pepper flakes and season with salt in the last 30 seconds. Take it off the heat, and you’re good to go!
3| Time to build the magic! Start by layering the quinoa, lentils, and ricotta in a bowl. Top it off with those garlicky pumpkin seeds and some homemade pickled onions. Serve it up warm or at room temp – totally up to you!
Get my Creamy Tofu Ricotta recipe, here.
Get my Homemade Pickled Red Onions, here.
Simple, easy, and full of flavor! Enjoy!
Get Free Cookbooks
Kickstart your keto journey with our FREE Keto Cookbooks! 🎉 Packed with delicious recipes, these print copies are yours for the taking. Don’t wait—order now and start cooking your way to a healthier you! 🚀📚
*Hurry! offer valid till stock lasts.
Recipe Swaps & Creative Tweaks
Here are some recipe swap and tweak ideas for your Quinoa and Lentils with Garlicky Pumpkin Seeds:
Recipe Swaps:
- Quinoa Swap: If you’re not a quinoa fan, try using brown rice, farro, or couscous as the base instead. They’ll add their own unique texture and flavor to the dish.
- Lentil Swap: Swap out pre-cooked lentils for chickpeas, black beans, or even edamame if you prefer a different legume. All would bring a nice bite and protein punch.
- Pumpkin Seed Swap: Instead of pumpkin seeds, try sunflower seeds or slivered almonds for a different crunch. You could also toast some walnuts or pecans for a nutty flavor.
- Tofu Ricotta Swap: Not into tofu? You can swap the tofu ricotta with store-bought ricotta (for a non-vegan version) or use cashew cream for a rich, creamy alternative.
- Pickled Red Onions Swap: If you’re not into pickled onions, try using sautéed onions or fresh red onion slices for a milder flavor.
Tweak Ideas:
- Spice It Up: If you like a bit more heat, add extra red pepper flakes or even a dash of cayenne pepper to your pumpkin seeds mix.
- Add Greens: For an extra nutritional boost, throw in some spinach, kale, or arugula to the dish. It’ll give it some color and make it even heartier.
- Add a Zing: For a fresh twist, squeeze some lemon juice over the finished dish. The acidity will brighten up all the flavors beautifully.
- Extra Crunch: Top the dish with some crispy roasted chickpeas or a handful of toasted coconut flakes for added texture.
- Herb It Up: Add a sprinkle of fresh parsley, cilantro, or basil right before serving to elevate the flavor and add a fresh, herbaceous touch.
These swaps and tweaks allow you to play with the flavors and textures to make this dish your own, so don’t be afraid to get creative!
Try my Spiced Haddock with Quinoa and Raisin Salad recipe.
Helpful Tips for Success
Try my Quinoa Spinach Tortilla recipe.
Here are some useful tips to help make your Quinoa and Lentils with Garlicky Pumpkin Seeds even better:
1| Rinse the Quinoa: Before cooking, make sure to rinse the quinoa under cold water to remove its natural coating (saponin), which can sometimes have a bitter taste.
2| Don’t Overcook the Quinoa: Quinoa cooks pretty quickly, so keep an eye on it. Once all the water is absorbed, remove it from the heat and fluff it with a fork to avoid mushiness.
3| Toast the Seeds: For an extra burst of flavor, toast your pumpkin seeds lightly in the pan before adding the garlic and spices. It’ll bring out a deeper, nuttier taste.
4| Customize the Garlic Level: If you’re a garlic lover like me, feel free to add an extra clove or two to the pumpkin seed mix. More garlic = more flavor!
5| Make It Ahead: This dish stores really well in the fridge for 2-3 days, making it a perfect option for meal prep. Just keep the pickled onions and garlicky seeds separate until you’re ready to serve.
6| Balance the Texture: If you want a little more creaminess, stir in a spoonful of Greek yogurt or avocado to the dish before serving—it adds richness and smoothness.
7| Add a Crunchy Topping: For an added crunch, sprinkle some toasted breadcrumbs or crushed nuts on top before serving.
8| Flavor Boost: Don’t forget to drizzle a little olive oil or a squeeze of lemon right before serving to boost the freshness and flavor.
These tips will make sure your dish comes out even more flavorful, satisfying, and easy to customize!
Serving Ideas
Here are some fun and creative serving ideas for your Quinoa and Lentils with Garlicky Pumpkin Seeds:
1| Serve in a Bowl: Keep it simple and serve the dish in a cozy bowl, layering the quinoa, lentils, ricotta, and garlicky pumpkin seeds. Add a few dollops of pickled onions on top. It’s the perfect one-bowl meal! 🍲
2| Add a Side Salad: Serve the quinoa and lentils alongside a light, fresh salad with mixed greens, cucumbers, and a lemony vinaigrette. The crispness of the salad complements the warmth of the dish nicely. 🥗
3| Wrap it Up: Spoon the quinoa and lentil mixture into whole wheat wraps or lettuce leaves for a fun and low-carb meal. Add a drizzle of your favorite dressing or sauce, and you’ve got a great handheld option! 🌯
4| Top It with Avocado: Slice up a ripe avocado and place it on top of your quinoa and lentils. The creaminess of the avocado adds a nice contrast to the crunchy pumpkin seeds. 🥑
5| Pair with Roasted Veggies: Serve the dish with some roasted sweet potatoes, carrots, or brussels sprouts for added flavor and a hearty side. The veggies bring out the earthy flavors of the lentils and quinoa beautifully. 🍠
6| Make a Buddha Bowl: Create a colorful Buddha bowl by layering your quinoa and lentils with different toppings like steamed broccoli, roasted chickpeas, and a handful of fresh herbs. It’s a fun way to mix and match flavors! 🥣
7| Serve with Flatbread: Pair this dish with warm naan or pita bread on the side to scoop up the quinoa and lentils. It’s great for dipping and adds a nice texture contrast. 🍞
8| Top with a Fried Egg: For a little extra protein and richness, top your quinoa and lentils with a fried egg. The yolk adds a beautiful, creamy finish. 🍳
These serving ideas will help elevate your dish and make it even more satisfying, whether you’re serving it for a quick dinner or a special meal!
Try my Salmon Quinoa Salad recipe.
Storage Options
Here are some storage options for your Quinoa and Lentils with Garlicky Pumpkin Seeds to keep it fresh and ready for later:
1| Store in an Airtight Container: After the dish has cooled down, store it in an airtight container in the fridge. It’ll stay fresh for up to 3 days, and you can easily reheat it when you’re ready to eat. 🥡
2| Separate the Components: If you want to keep the textures at their best, store the quinoa and lentils separately from the garlicky pumpkin seeds and pickled onions. That way, the seeds stay crunchy, and the onions don’t lose their bite. 🥣
3| Freezing for Later: If you want to make a bigger batch and freeze some for later, this dish freezes well! Store it in freezer-safe containers or bags, and it’ll keep for up to 1 month. To reheat, just thaw overnight in the fridge and warm it up on the stove or in the microwave. ❄️
4| Use Mason Jars for Meal Prep: For easy meal prep, store individual portions in mason jars or small containers. This way, you can grab a healthy lunch or dinner in a pinch! 🥒
5| Avoid Storing Tofu Ricotta with the Dish: If you’ve made homemade tofu ricotta, store it separately in an airtight container in the fridge. That way, it stays fresh and won’t get soggy when stored with the rest of the dish. 🧀
By storing your dish this way, you’ll make sure it stays fresh and tasty for multiple meals!
Try my Quinoa Bread recipe.
Final Thoughts
And that’s all there is to it, my friends! Quinoa, lentils, and garlicky pumpkin seeds—what’s not to love? This dish is so quick, easy, and satisfying, it’ll quickly become one of your go-to meals. Whether you serve it warm or at room temperature, it’s a total winner. So go ahead, give it a try, and let me know what you think. Happy cooking!
Recipe Card
Quinoa and Lentils with Garlicky Pumpkin Seeds
This Quinoa and Lentils with Garlicky Pumpkin Seeds is the ultimate combo of savory, crunchy, and wholesome goodness! 🌱🥄 It’s super easy to make and perfect for any time of the day!
Ingredients
For the quinoa:
For the garlicky pumpkin seeds:
To assemble:
Instructions
-
Step 1:
Begin by bringing 10 fl oz. (300ml) of water to a boil in a medium-sized pot. Add a pinch of salt and the quinoa, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and allow the quinoa to cook for approximately 12 minutes, or until the water is fully absorbed. Once cooked, fluff the quinoa with a fork and set it aside.
-
Step 2:
In a separate pot, heat 2 tbsp. of olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute. Stir in the coriander seeds and pumpkin seeds, cooking for an additional 2-3 minutes. Add the red pepper flakes and season with salt during the final 30 seconds of cooking. Remove from heat once the seeds are lightly toasted.
-
Step 3:
To assemble the dish, layer the cooked quinoa, lentils, and tofu ricotta in a bowl. Top with the garlicky pumpkin seeds and pickled onions. The dish may be served warm or at room temperature, according to preference.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 4
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 515kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 23g36%
- Total Carbohydrate 54g18%
- Protein 23g46%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
