Autumn Glow Quinoa Bowls: 5 Cozy Flavors to Savor

Oh, let me tell you about the vibrant flavors of autumn that just burst in my kitchen when I whip up these Autumn Glow Quinoa Bowls! Seriously, they’re like a warm hug on a chilly day. With every spoonful, you get a delightful mix of roasted butternut squash, crispy Brussels sprouts, and the earthy goodness of quinoa, all tossed together with cranberries and walnuts for that perfect crunch. It’s not just about the taste; it’s a wholesome dish that makes me feel good inside. I love how colorful it is too—it’s like a fall festival in a bowl! Trust me, this recipe is a must-try when the leaves start to turn. You’ll absolutely adore it!

Ingredients

Let’s gather everything we need for these Autumn Glow Quinoa Bowls! You’ll want to have:

• 1 cup quinoa, rinsed to remove any bitterness
• 2 cups vegetable broth for cooking the quinoa, adding extra flavor
• 1 cup butternut squash, diced into bite-sized pieces for roasting
• 1 cup Brussels sprouts, halved for that perfect crispy texture
• 1 cup kale, chopped to add a nutritious green element
• 1/2 cup cranberries for a sweet pop of flavor
• 1/4 cup walnuts, chopped for a nice crunch
• 2 tablespoons olive oil to toss with the veggies
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon, because it smells like autumn!
• Salt and pepper to taste for seasoning

These ingredients all come together to create a colorful and healthy dish that’s perfect for fall. Let’s get cooking!

How to Prepare Autumn Glow Quinoa Bowls

Get ready to create a delicious bowl of autumn goodness! Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a warm, vibrant dish in no time.

Step 1: Preheat and Rinse

First things first, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This is super important because it gets those veggies perfectly roasted later. While that’s heating up, rinse your quinoa under cold water in a fine-mesh strainer. This step helps remove any bitterness, ensuring your quinoa is light and fluffy.

Step 2: Cook Quinoa

In a medium pot, combine the rinsed quinoa and 2 cups of vegetable broth. Bring this mixture to a boil over medium-high heat. Once it’s bubbling, reduce the heat to low, cover with a lid, and let it simmer for about 15 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the quinoa has absorbed the broth and looks fluffy. Just stir it gently with a fork to fluff it up a bit!

Step 3: Roast Vegetables

Now, let’s focus on those beautiful vegetables! Grab a baking sheet and toss the diced butternut squash and halved Brussels sprouts with 2 tablespoons of olive oil, 1 teaspoon of cinnamon, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Spread them out evenly on the sheet and pop them in the oven to roast for 25 minutes. Keep an eye on them; you want them tender and slightly crispy!

Step 4: Combine Ingredients

Once everything is cooked, it’s time to bring it all together! In a large bowl, combine the fluffy quinoa, roasted veggies, chopped kale, cranberries, and walnuts. Mix everything together gently until it’s well combined. I love to serve this warm, but it’s also delicious at room temperature. Enjoy every colorful bite of your Autumn Glow Quinoa Bowls! It’s like a cozy fall day in a dish!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• It’s a healthy and nutritious dish packed with vitamins and minerals.
• Vibrant colors make it visually appealing—perfect for impressing guests!
• Super easy to prepare, making it a great weeknight meal.
• It’s versatile—you can easily customize it with your favorite proteins or veggies.
• Perfect for meal prep; it stores well and tastes even better the next day.
• With the warm spices and seasonal ingredients, it captures the essence of autumn.

Tips for Success

Want to make your Autumn Glow Quinoa Bowls even more amazing? Here are some of my favorite tips! First, don’t hesitate to swap the butternut squash with sweet potatoes or even carrots for a different flavor. If you’re after a protein boost, try adding chickpeas or grilled chicken—yum! Also, make sure to season your veggies well; the olive oil, cinnamon, salt, and pepper really enhance their natural sweetness. And remember, quinoa can be a bit tricky—keep an eye on it while it cooks to avoid overcooking. Lastly, this dish is fantastic for meal prep, so feel free to double the recipe and enjoy it throughout the week!

Nutritional Information

When you dive into a bowl of Autumn Glow Quinoa Bowls, you’re not just indulging in deliciousness, but also nourishing your body! Each serving is estimated to contain around 350 calories, making it a satisfying meal. You’ll also get about 15 grams of fat, which includes healthy unsaturated fats from the walnuts and olive oil. With 10 grams of protein and 50 grams of carbohydrates, it’s balanced and filling! Plus, there’s a nice boost of 8 grams of fiber to help keep you satisfied. Just remember, these values are estimates, but they show just how wholesome this dish truly is!

FAQ Section

Can I add protein to this bowl?

Absolutely! Adding protein to your Autumn Glow Quinoa Bowls is a great way to make them even heartier. I love tossing in some roasted chickpeas or black beans for a plant-based boost. If you’re not strictly vegan, grilled chicken or sautéed shrimp would be fantastic additions as well. Just make sure to season them well to complement the lovely flavors of the roasted veggies!

Can this dish be served cold?

Yes, it absolutely can! These bowls can be enjoyed cold, making them a perfect option for a refreshing salad. Just let your Autumn Glow Quinoa Bowls cool down after you mix everything together. You can even add a drizzle of balsamic vinaigrette for an extra zing when serving it cold. Perfect for lunch the next day!

How long can I store leftovers?

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just make sure it’s cooled down before sealing it up! When you’re ready to eat, you can enjoy it cold or reheat it in the microwave for a cozy meal. Just remember to stir it up a bit before serving to make sure all those wonderful flavors are mixed together again!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Storing your Autumn Glow Quinoa Bowls is super easy! Just place any leftovers in an airtight container and pop them in the fridge, where they’ll stay fresh for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, you can either eat them cold straight from the fridge or reheat them in the microwave. If you choose to reheat, just warm them up for about 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure everything heats evenly. This way, you’ll have a delicious, cozy meal ready to go anytime!

Print