Loving Carrots on Quinoa
Today, I am presenting a simple dish that I made recently, and that I came to call Loving Carrots on Quinoa.
If you’re looking for a simple yet flavourful plant-based meal, Loving Carrots on Quinoa might just become your next favourite. This dish combines quinoa with the rich, smoky flavours of carrot sausages, all tied together with a sauce made from their cooking liquid.
Carrots are often the unsung heroes in the kitchen — relegated to soups, stews, or as a simple side. But when prepared thoughtfully, they can take centre stage. In this dish, we transform humble carrots into flavour-packed sausages, inspired by the popular carrot dog trend. Their texture and ability to absorb marinades make them an excellent substitute for meat-based sausages.
The Components
- Carrot Sausages
The carrots are simmered in a smoky, savoury broth made from soy sauce, smoked paprika, and a touch of agave syrup. This cooking liquid not only infuses the carrots with deep umami flavours but also doubles as the base for our sauce. - Simple Quinoa
Quinoa serves as a light, protein-rich base that perfectly complements the boldness of the carrot sausages. Cooked simply in water or vegetable broth, it absorbs the sauce beautifully. - Sauce
The magic lies in the sauce. After cooking the carrots, the reserved liquid is reduced to intensify its flavours, creating a velvety, smoky drizzle that ties the dish together.
A Meal Worth Savoring
Loving Carrots on Quinoa is proof that plant-based cooking can be both simple and satisfying.
Enjoy this as a nourishing weeknight dinner, or dress it up with some Frietjes for a more elaborate meal. Whatever the occasion, you’ll love the way carrots shine in this recipe!
Loving Carrots on Quinoa
Ingredients
- 4 slim carrots
- 5 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tsp mustard
- 1 tbsp smoked paprika powder
- 1/2 tsp curry powder (optional)
- 3 tbsp tomato sauce
- 3 tbsp agave syrup
- 4 tbsp vinegar
- 1 cup water
- 3/4 cup quinoa
- oil, salt and pepper
Instructions
Prepare the carrots
- Peel the carrots.
- In a pot just large enough to fit the carrots in, combine the soy sauce, mustard, spices, tomato sauce, agave and vinegar. Add the water.
- Lay the carrots into the marinade and cook until the carrots are soft (max. 15 minutes).
Prepare the quinoa
- Cook the quinoa following the instructions on the package.
Assemble
- Take the carrots out of the marinade. On low heat, reduce the liquid to ca. half.
- Brown the carrots in a little oil. Serve them on the quinoa, with the sauce nicely arranged around.