If you’re craving a dish that’s as nourishing as it is vibrant, this Moroccan-spiced grain bowl with roasted beetroot and preserved lemon is exactly what your kitchen needs.
Infused with the bold, zesty flavors of RoboFood Chermoula Seasoning, this bowl celebrates the aromatic depth of North African cuisine while keeping things fresh, wholesome, and plant-forward.
Think earthy roasted beets, fluffy quinoa, creamy avocado, and the bright tang of preserved lemon—all brought together by the magic of chermoula.
This isn’t just a meal; it’s a celebration of textures, colors, and spices that dance on your palate.
Why This Chermoula Grain Bowl Stands Out
Sometimes, healthy eating can feel a bit plain or repetitive.
But this grain bowl breaks the mold by incorporating deeply flavorful elements that keep every bite exciting.
Chermoula, a staple in Moroccan and Tunisian cooking, is traditionally a marinade or sauce made from herbs, spices, garlic, lemon, and olive oil.
With RoboFood Chermoula Seasoning, you get that complex flavor profile—minus the prep—so you can create restaurant-quality dishes at home in under 30 minutes.
This recipe takes a modern twist on the traditional chermoula application, using the seasoning not just as a flavor enhancer but as the core aromatic base for an entire grain bowl.
By roasting vegetables with the blend and whisking it into a dressing, you layer the flavor throughout, creating cohesion in every bite.
Plus, preserved lemon—which offers a unique, briny citrus punch—adds an authentic touch that pairs beautifully with the earthy beets and nutty quinoa.
Ingredients You’ll Need
One of the best things about this bowl is its simplicity.
Most ingredients are pantry-friendly or easy to find at a standard grocery store.
Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 cup quinoa (uncooked)
- 2 cups water or vegetable broth
- 3 medium beets, peeled and cubed
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon RoboFood Chermoula Seasoning
- 1 cup cooked chickpeas (or one 15-oz can, drained and rinsed)
- 1 avocado, sliced
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- 1/4 cup preserved lemon, finely diced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (for dressing)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Salt to taste
- Toasted almonds or pumpkin seeds for crunch (optional)
Note: Don’t have preserved lemon?
You can make your own (just combine lemon slices, sea salt, and lemon juice in a jar and let it sit for 3–4 weeks), or use 1 teaspoon grated lemon zest plus 1/2 teaspoon sea salt as a close substitute.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Cook the Quinoa
Start by rinsing the quinoa under cold water to remove any natural bitterness.
In a medium saucepan, combine the rinsed quinoa and water or vegetable broth.
Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes or until the liquid is absorbed.
Remove from heat, fluff with a fork, and let it sit covered for 5 minutes.
This allows the quinoa to become extra fluffy and tender.
Once cooked, transfer the quinoa to a large bowl.
While it’s still warm, fluff it again and add a pinch of salt.
The warmth helps it absorb flavors better later on.
2. Roast the Beets with Chermoula
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
On a large baking sheet, toss the cubed beets with olive oil and 1 teaspoon of RoboFood Chermoula Seasoning.
Spread them out in a single layer to ensure even roasting.
Roast for 25–30 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the beets are tender and slightly caramelized at the edges.
You’ll know they’re done when a fork slides easily into a beet cube.
The chermoula seasoning will infuse the beets with a warm, slightly spicy, and citrusy aroma—hinting at the bold flavors to come.
3. Prepare the Chickpeas
While the beets are roasting, quickly warm the chickpeas in a skillet over medium heat.
You can leave them plain, or for extra flavor, toss them with a pinch of chermoula seasoning and a splash of olive oil.
Cook for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until slightly crispy on the outside.
This adds a nice texture contrast to the soft grains and tender beets.
4. Make the Chermoula Dressing
In a small bowl, whisk together 1 tablespoon of RoboFood Chermoula Seasoning (yes, double the flavor!), 2 tablespoons olive oil, and 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice.
This dressing will be the golden thread tying all the components together.
The herbaceous notes of coriander and cumin, combined with garlic and paprika, will elevate every ingredient without overpowering.
You can adjust the consistency by adding a splash of water if needed.
Thin it slightly for a drizzling texture.
5. Assemble the Bowl
Now for the fun part—building your bowl.
Start with a generous base of warm quinoa.
Layer on the roasted beetroot cubes, followed by chickpeas, avocado slices, and preserved lemon.
Sprinkle over the fresh herbs—both cilantro and parsley add brightness and authenticity.
Drizzle the chermoula dressing generously over the top.
For an extra crunch, sprinkle with toasted almonds or pumpkin seeds.
The contrast of creamy avocado, earthy beets, and crisp nuts makes every bite satisfying.
Why RoboFood Chermoula Makes a Difference
Creating an authentic chermoula blend from scratch can take time—grinding spices, mincing fresh herbs, and balancing flavors.
RoboFood Chermoula Seasoning simplifies this process without sacrificing authenticity.
Its thoughtfully balanced mix of coriander, cumin, paprika, garlic, and aromatic herbs captures the spirit of North African cooking in a convenient shake-and-use format.
What makes it shine in this recipe is its ability to work across multiple components: seasoning for roasting, flavor base for chickpeas, and the foundation of a vibrant dressing.
This versatility ensures that the chermoula flavor weaves through the dish seamlessly, creating a cohesive and memorable experience.
Make It Your Own: Customization Ideas
One of the joys of grain bowls is their adaptability.
Here are a few creative ways to personalize this meal:
- Protein boost: Add grilled shrimp, pan-seared tofu, or falafel for extra protein.
- Greens: Toss in baby spinach, arugula, or massaged kale for extra freshness and nutrients.
- Other roasted veggies: Sweet potatoes, carrots, or zucchini pair beautifully with chermoula.
- Dairy or vegan creaminess: Add crumbled feta or a dollop of vegan yogurt to enhance richness.
- Spice level: The seasoning has a mild kick—add a pinch of cayenne or harissa paste if you like more heat.
Meal Prep Friendly
This grain bowl is ideal for meal prep.
Cook the quinoa, roast the beets, and prepare the dressing up to 4 days in advance.
Store components separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator.
When ready to eat, warm the quinoa and beets, assemble with fresh avocado, herbs, and a drizzle of dressing.
The preserved lemon and chickpeas hold up well, making this a reliable go-to for busy weekdays.
Nutritional Benefits
Beyond its stunning presentation and bold taste, this bowl packs serious nutritional punch.
Beets are rich in nitrates, which support heart health and stamina.
Quinoa is a complete plant-based protein, providing all nine essential amino acids.
Chickpeas add fiber and plant protein, keeping you full and satisfied.
Avocado contributes heart-healthy monounsaturated fats, while the fresh herbs deliver antioxidants and vitamin C.
When paired with the anti-inflammatory spices in chermoula—especially cumin and coriander—this bowl becomes not just delicious but deeply nourishing.
Serving Suggestions
This dish works beautifully as a light lunch, hearty side, or even part of a mezze spread.
Serve it with warm pita bread or a slice of crusty sourdough to mop up the last of the dressing.
For a full North African-inspired meal, pair it with a simple harissa hummus or a cucumber and tomato salad with lemon and mint.
Final Thoughts
This Moroccan chermoula grain bowl with roasted beetroot and preserved lemon is the perfect balance of earthy, tangy, fresh, and aromatic.
It proves that plant-based meals can be rich in flavor, texture, and cultural authenticity—especially when you have a powerhouse seasoning like RoboFood Chermoula in your spice cabinet.
Whether you’re a seasoned home cook or just starting to explore global flavors, this bowl is a delicious way to bring a taste of North Africa to your table.
Try it today—your taste buds (and your body) will thank you.
