Vegetarian Caramelized Onion Quinoa

This Vegetarian Caramelized Onion Quinoa recipe is chock-full of flavor, totally satisfying, and it makes a great quinoa side dish to serve with grilled chicken or salmon.  

Caramelized onions are one of those ingredients that can transform the most plain and ordinary of dishes into something quite extraordinary.  For this quinoa side dish, the onions are slowly cooked in olive oil and marsala wine then tossed in quinoa with some fresh parsley.   Simply delicious!!

The other day I was totally craving French Onion Soup!  My mouth watered as I thought of a bowl of luscious onions simmering in a salty broth with a sheet of gooey melted cheese draped over the bowl.  There was just a wee bit of a problem turning that fantasy into reality.  One –  I didn’t have any cheese (I never buy cheese anymore except maybe Parmesan or Feta now and then) and two – I didn’t have any beef broth (never buy this either).  So I decided to at least  satisfy my cravings somewhat by making some caramelized onions and tossing them in a bowl of quinoa.  I know.  I know.  Not even close.  But it was still so good!

Carmelized Onion Quinoa Recipe

This is a basic quinoa recipe spiffed up a bit with garlic, marsala wine, fresh thyme and parsley.

• Oil. We use extra-virgin olive oil to cook the onions in.
• Onions. We use brown or sweet onions or a mix of both plus some green onions.
• Garlic. Garlic adds a nice flavor to the mix. 
• Marsala Wine. Adding wine is optional, but it adds a rich flavor to the onions.
• Cooked quinoa. You’ll need about 1 cup cooked quinoa. 
• Chicken Broth. We use low-sodium chicken broth for this recipe.
• Seasoning. We season the quinoa with onion powder, fresh thyme and fresh parsley.

Find printable recipe with the measurements below.

How To Make Carmelized Onion Quinoa

For The Easy Caramelized Onions

1. Heat 3 tablespoons of the oil in a large skillet.
2. Add the onions and cook over low heat.  Add a pinch of salt.
3. Add the marsala wine as the onions begin to dry out.
4. Stir frequently for about 30 minutes or until the onions turn a golden brown.
5. Transfer the onions to a bowl and set aside.

For The Quinoa

1. Heat 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil in a large saucepan over medium-high heat.
2. Add quinoa and saute 2 minutes longer.
3. Pour in chicken broth,  water, onion powder and fresh thyme.
4. Bring mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover and simmer 20 minutes.  (Don’t remove the lid)
5. Remove from heat.
6. Remove fresh thyme sprig.
7. Transfer quinoa to serving bowl and fluff with a fork, toss in caramelized onions and parsley.
8. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.

I know some folks aren’t terribly fond of onions.  Fortunately I’m not one of those people.  I love onions!!  And I think any dish that highlights the sweetness of cooked onions is a good one, and this Vegetarian Caramelized Onion Quinoa recipe gives them center stage!

Guys if you’re fond of caramelized onions, you’re going to love this Vegetarian Caramelized Onion Quinoa!! The marsala wine that I add gives these caramelized onions that extra rich kick of flavor, but if you don’t have any marsala wine, then just add either chicken broth or water as you caramelize the onions.  And if you prefer caramelized shallots over onions, that works just as well!

Looking For More Easy Quinoa Recipes?

• Pineapple Coconut Quinoa
• Cilantro Lime Quinoa
• Lemony Quinoa with Turmeric
• Spanish Quinoa

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Yield: 6 servings

Caramelized Onion Quinoa

Prep Time 5 minutes

Cook Time 20 minutes

Additional Time 5 minutes

Total Time 30 minutes

This Vegetarian Caramelized Onion Quinoa recipe is chock-full of flavor, totally satisfying, and it makes a great quinoa side dish to serve with grilled chicken or salmon.  

Ingredients

• 4 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, divided
• 3/4 cup brown or sweet onion, finely chopped
• 2-3 green onions, chopped (white and light green parts only)
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1/4 cup marsala wine
• 1 cup quinoa, rinsed
• 1 cup water
• 1 cup low-sodium free-range chicken broth
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 sprig of fresh thyme (or small pinch of dried)
• 2-3 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
• salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Instructions

For the Onions

1. Heat 3 tablespoons of the oil in a large skillet.
2. Add the onions and cook over low heat.  Add a pinch of salt.
3. Add the marsala wine as the onions begin to dry out.
4. Stir frequently for about 30 minutes or until the onions turn a golden brown.
5. Transfer the onions to a bowl and set aside.

For the Quinoa

1. Heat 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil in a large saucepan over medium-high heat.
2. Add quinoa and saute 2 minutes longer.
3. Pour in chicken broth,  water, onion powder and fresh thyme.
4. Bring mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover and simmer 20 minutes.  (Don't remove the lid)
5. Remove from heat.
6. Remove fresh thyme sprig.
7. Transfer quinoa to serving bowl and fluff with a fork, toss in caramelized onions and parsley.
8. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.

Nutrition Information:

Yield:

6

Serving Size:

1
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 136Total Fat: 10gSaturated Fat: 1gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 1mgSodium: 272mgCarbohydrates: 10gFiber: 1gSugar: 2gProtein: 2g

theharvestkitchen.com attempts to provide accurate information, however, this nutritional information is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. The nutritional information provided comes from online sources and calculations. See full disclaimer on About page.