As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting a warm golden hue over the bustling local market, I stumbled upon a vibrant stall brimming with fresh vegetables, fragrant herbs, and exotic spices. My heart raced with inspiration, and I envisioned a wrap that could encapsulate the essence of the Mediterranean—healthy, colorful, and bursting with flavor. Thus began my journey to create these Spicy Mediterranean Quinoa Wraps, a delightful fusion of textures and tastes that are perfect for a quick lunch or a satisfying dinner.
Ingredients
1 cup quinoa, rinsed
2 cups vegetable broth
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1 cucumber, diced
1 bell pepper, diced
1/2 red onion, finely chopped
1 cup baby spinach
1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
Juice of 1 lemon
Salt and pepper to taste
4 large whole wheat tortillas
Fresh parsley, for garnish
Instructions
Begin by cooking the quinoa. In a medium saucepan, combine the rinsed quinoa and vegetable broth. Bring it to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for about 15 minutes or until the quinoa is fluffy and the liquid is absorbed. Once done, remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
While the quinoa is cooling, heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the smoked paprika, ground cumin, and red pepper flakes, stirring for about a minute until fragrant. This spice blend will give our wraps a nice kick. Add the cooked quinoa to the skillet and mix well, allowing the quinoa to absorb the spices. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cherry tomatoes, cucumber, bell pepper, red onion, and baby spinach. Drizzle the lemon juice over the veggies, tossing them gently to blend the flavors.
Now, let’s assemble our wraps! Lay a tortilla flat on a clean surface. Start by spreading a generous scoop of the spiced quinoa mixture in the center. Top it with the fresh vegetable medley and sprinkle with crumbled feta cheese. Carefully fold the sides of the tortilla over the filling, then roll it up from the bottom to create a snug wrap.
Repeat this process for the remaining tortillas. Once all wraps are assembled, slice them diagonally and arrange them on a platter. Garnish with fresh parsley for an extra pop of color.
These Spicy Mediterranean Quinoa Wraps are not only a feast for the eyes but also a symphony of flavors that dance on your palate. They can be enjoyed fresh or wrapped tightly in foil for a picnic or lunch on the go. Each bite transports you to a sun-soaked terrace overlooking the azure sea, making every meal an unforgettable experience.