Spiced Quinoa with Lentils and Kale

This hearty and flavorful dish combines protein-packed lentils, nutrient-rich kale, and fluffy quinoa with a blend of warm spices. It’s a simple, satisfying meal perfect for a healthy weeknight dinner or meal prep.

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TIME50 min

SERVINGS4

RATING5.0 / 5

01 / WHAT YOU NEED

Ingredients

2 cups water 1 cup vegetable broth ¼ cup finely chopped onion 1 jalapeno pepper, seeded and minced 3 cloves garlic, minced, or more to taste 1 cup rainbow quinoa 1 ½ teaspoons ground cumin 1 teaspoon curry powder ½ teaspoon salt ½ teaspoon chili powder ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon ½ teaspoon ground black pepper ½ teaspoon ground coriander ¼ teaspoon ground cardamom ¼ teaspoon ground cloves 3 cups chopped kale ½ cup frozen peas 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, or more to taste (Optional)

02 / HOW TO MAKE IT

Let's cook.

Step 1

Start by bringing the water and broth to a boil in a large pot. Once it’s bubbling, add the lentils, chopped onion, jalapeño, and garlic. Cover the pot, turn the heat down to medium, and let everything simmer for about 10 minutes.

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Step 2

Next, stir in the quinoa along with all the spices—cumin, curry powder, salt, chili powder, cinnamon, black pepper, coriander, cardamom, and cloves. Give it a good mix and bring it back up to a gentle boil. Cover again and let it cook until the quinoa is tender, which should take around 10 more minutes.

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Step 3

Finally, toss in the kale, peas, and butter. Bring the pot back to a boil one last time, then cover and cook until the kale is wilted and the peas are heated through, about 10 minutes. Once everything is tender and flavorful, it’s ready to serve.

03 / EXTRA DETAILS

Good to know.

Cook's tip

- Rinse the quinoa thoroughly before cooking to remove its natural bitterness.
- To save time, use pre-cooked or canned lentils, just be sure to rinse them well.
- Wilt the kale gently at the end to keep it bright and tender, avoiding overcooking.

Why you’ll love it

This dish is a wonderful blend of hearty lentils, nutritious quinoa, and vibrant kale. It’s packed with protein and fiber, making it both filling and healthy. The warm spices add a comforting depth of flavor that makes it perfect for any season.

Serving ideas

Serve this dish warm as a main course or a side. It pairs beautifully with a dollop of plain yogurt or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice to brighten the flavors. You can also top it with toasted nuts or seeds for extra crunch.

Storage & leftovers

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of water if it feels dry. It also freezes well—just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.