This vibrant quinoa breakfast bowl combines plant-based iron, complete protein, and anti-inflammatory ingredients in one colorful, nutrient-dense meal. With roasted vegetables, soft-boiled egg, and a creamy lemon-tahini drizzle, it’s perfect for starting your day with energy and intention.
2 cups cooked quinoa (red or tri-color blend)
1 can black beans, rinsed and drained
1 cup acorn squash, diced
1 cup red beets, sliced into rounds
1 cup broccoli florets
6 large eggs
2 tablespoons tahini (sesame paste)
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1 clove garlic, minced
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon cumin
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
Salt and pepper to taste
2 tablespoons pumpkin seeds
Optional: sesame seeds for garnish
Roast the squash and beets:
Preheat oven to 425°F. Toss diced acorn squash and beet slices separately with olive oil, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Spread on a baking sheet and roast for 30 minutes, flipping halfway through. Keep beets on one side to avoid bleeding color.
Roast the broccoli:
Toss broccoli florets with olive oil and a pinch of salt. Roast on a separate pan for 12–15 minutes until lightly browned and crisp-tender.
Cook the quinoa:
If not already cooked, rinse 1 cup dry quinoa, then cook with 2 cups water. Simmer covered for 15 minutes, rest 5 minutes, then fluff.
Soft-boil the eggs:
Bring water to a boil, gently lower in eggs, and simmer for 6 minutes. Transfer to an ice bath to stop cooking. Peel and slice in half.
Make the lemon-tahini sauce:
In a bowl, whisk tahini, lemon juice, garlic, and 1–2 tablespoons warm water until smooth and pourable. Add salt to taste.
Assemble the bowls:
In each bowl, spoon in a serving of cooked quinoa. Top with black beans, roasted beets, squash, and broccoli. Add one soft-boiled egg. Drizzle with tahini sauce and sprinkle with pumpkin and sesame seeds.
Boost Iron Naturally: The combination of quinoa, black beans, pumpkin seeds, egg, and tahini provides around 7 mg of iron per serving.
Support Iron Absorption: The lemon juice and broccoli add vitamin C to improve non-heme iron uptake.
Make Ahead Tips: Roast vegetables and cook quinoa in advance. Store eggs and dressing separately and assemble when ready to eat.
Vegan Swap: Omit the egg and add sautéed kale or tofu for a fully plant-based version.
Find it online: https://www.cooking-inspired.com/quinoa-breakfast-bowl/