Quinoa with bacon, mushrooms and Creole spices

6 servings

25 minutes

Quinoa with bacon, mushrooms, and Creole spices is an exquisite dish of French cuisine infused with the aromas of New Orleans. The lightness of quinoa is complemented by the rich flavor of smoked bacon, the tenderness of mushrooms, and the spiciness of Creole spices. The combination of dried herbs, paprika, and peppers adds richness and depth to the dish, while butter provides a velvety texture. This recipe is perfect as a side dish for meat dishes or as a standalone nutritious meal for lovers of unusual flavor combinations. Inspired by French culinary art and Creole traditions, it carries notes of home comfort and gastronomic sophistication.

Energy value per serving

• Calories: 298.2
• Proteins: 10.3g
• Fats: 14.7g
• Carbohydrates: 29.1g

Ingredients

• Quinoa: 1 glass
• Smoked bacon: 60 g
• Red onion: 0.5 head
• Frozen honey mushrooms: 80 g
• Champignons: 3 pc
• Garlic: 1 clove
• Butter: 50 g
• Ground dried onion: 1 tbsp
• Dried oregano: 1 tbsp
• Ground dried garlic: 1 tbsp
• Dried basil: 1 tbsp
• Ground paprika: 2 tbsp
• Dried thyme: 1 tbsp
• Ground black pepper: 2 tsp
• Cayenne pepper: 1 tsp
• Salt: 1 tbsp

Cooking steps

1. Rinse the quinoa. Pour 1 cup of quinoa with 2 cups of water and cook for 15 minutes in a deep saucepan.

   Required ingredients:

   • Quinoa: 1 glass

2. At this time, we will make a mixture of Creole spices. We mix together dried onion powder, garlic, sweet paprika, dried basil, oregano, thyme, black and cayenne pepper, and salt.

   Required ingredients:

   • Ground dried onion: 1 tablespoon
   • Ground dried garlic: 1 tablespoon
   • Ground paprika: 2 tablespoons
   • Dried basil: 1 tablespoon
   • Dried oregano: 1 tablespoon
   • Dried thyme: 1 tablespoon
   • Ground black pepper: 2 teaspoons
   • Cayenne pepper: 1 teaspoon
   • Salt: 1 tablespoon

3. Chop the onion, mince the garlic. Cut the bacon (with meat layers) and mushrooms into cubes. I had frozen honey mushrooms and champignons.

   Required ingredients:

   • Red onion: 0.5 head
   • Garlic: 1 clove
   • Smoked bacon: 60 g
   • Frozen honey mushrooms: 80 g
   • Champignons: 3 pieces

4. In a pan, fry the bacon, add red onion and mushrooms, and sauté for 5-7 minutes.

   Required ingredients:

   • Smoked bacon: 60 g
   • Red onion: 0.5 head
   • Frozen honey mushrooms: 80 g
   • Champignons: 3 pieces

5. Add the cooked quinoa to the pan, spices (about 1.5 teaspoons or to taste), and minced garlic. Sauté for 5 minutes, stirring constantly with a wooden spoon. Transfer excess Creole spices to a glass jar. Our side dish is ready!

   Required ingredients:

   • Quinoa: 1 glass
   • Ground dried onion: 1 tablespoon
   • Ground dried garlic: 1 tablespoon
   • Ground paprika: 2 tablespoons
   • Dried basil: 1 tablespoon
   • Dried oregano: 1 tablespoon
   • Dried thyme: 1 tablespoon
   • Ground black pepper: 2 teaspoons
   • Cayenne pepper: 1 teaspoon
   • Salt: 1 tablespoon
   • Garlic: 1 clove