How long can I store leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.

Can I make this stew ahead?

Yes, this stew can be made a day in advance and reheated; the flavors will develop further.

Can I substitute the Andean mint?

Yes, regular mint or even parsley can be used if Andean mint is unavailable.

Is there a way to make this stew spicier?

Add chopped jalapeño or a dash of cayenne pepper for more heat.

Can I use chicken broth instead of vegetable broth?

Yes, chicken broth can be used for a non-vegetarian version of this stew.

Nutty Peruvian Quinoa Stew with Andean Herbs

Name: Nutty Peruvian Quinoa Stew with Andean Herbs
Prep time: 1 h
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h
Yield: 6
Cuisine: Soup
Ingredients: 2 tbsp olive oil; 1 large onion — finely chopped; 3 cloves garlic — minced; 1 red bell pepper — diced; 1 cup quinoa — rinsed and drained; 2 cups vegetable broth; 2 medium potatoes — peeled and cubed; 1 cup diced carrots; 1 cup corn kernels; 1 tsp ground cumin; 1/2 tsp smoked paprika; Salt and pepper — to taste; 1/4 cup chopped cilantro; 2 tbsp fresh Andean mint — chopped

A hearty and fragrant stew celebrating the flavors of Peru

This robust quinoa stew incorporates traditional Peruvian flavors, making it both a nourishing and exotic meal.

1 h 30 min
6
Intermediate

Ingredients

For the Stew Base

2 tbsp olive oil

1 large onion — finely chopped

3 cloves garlic — minced

1 red bell pepper — diced

For the Quinoa

1 cup quinoa — rinsed and drained

2 cups vegetable broth

For the Vegetables

2 medium potatoes — peeled and cubed

1 cup diced carrots

1 cup corn kernels

For the Seasoning

1 tsp ground cumin

1/2 tsp smoked paprika

Salt and pepper — to taste

1/4 cup chopped cilantro

2 tbsp fresh Andean mint — chopped

Preparation

Preparing the Base

Heat olive oil

Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.

Sauté onions and garlic

Add onions and garlic; sauté until translucent.

Add bell pepper

Stir in red bell pepper, continuing to sauté for 2 more minutes.

Preparing the Quinoa and Vegetables

Rinse quinoa

Rinse the quinoa under cold water to remove bitterness.

Ensure the quinoa is well-rinsed to remove bitterness.

Cook quinoa with broth

Add quinoa to the pot with the broth.

Add vegetables

Stir in potatoes, carrots, and corn; bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer.

Use a mixture of fresh and dry herbs for a complex flavor profile.

Cooking Process

Simmer stew

Reduce heat to low and simmer the stew until quinoa and vegetables are tender, about 25-30 minutes.

Season stew

Add cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper; adjust to taste.

Finish with herbs

Stir in chopped cilantro and Andean mint just before serving for a burst of fresh flavor.

Plating & Serving