Roasted Za'atar Chickpea Quinoa Bowl with Soft-Boiled Eggs
A vibrant Mediterranean-inspired grain bowl featuring tender quinoa topped with crispy za'atar-spiced chickpeas, roasted zucchini and radishes, and perfectly soft-boiled eggs with runny yolks. The combination of nutty quinoa, aromatic za'atar, and creamy avocado crema creates layers of flavor and texture that make this bowl both satisfying and nutritious. Perfect for a healthy lunch or light dinner, this recipe transforms simple ingredients into a restaurant-quality meal that's as beautiful as it is delicious.
Ingredients
- 12 oz zucchini, cubed
- 10 radishes, halved
- 1 can garbanzo beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 Tbsp cooking oil
- 1 ½ Tbsp za'atargaram masala1:1none
different spice profile
- 4 eggs
- 1 tsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 Tbsp olive oil
- 5 oz arugula
- 1 ½ cups cooked quinoa
- 1 ½ cups uncooked quinoa
- 3 cups stock, any type
- 1 clove shallots, chopped
- 1 Tbsp cilantro leaves, chopped
- 1 avocado
- 1 ½ Tbsp lime juice
- ¼ cup sour cream
- 2 tsp adobo sauce, from chipotle can
Instructions
- 1
Heat oven to 400F
- 2
Bring a small saucepan of water to boil for eggs
- 3
Toss zucchini, radishes, and chickpeas with cooking oil and za'atar, season with salt and pepper
- 4
Spread vegetables on sheet pan and roast, shaking pan halfway through, until tender
- 5
Add eggs to boiling water and boil for exactly 7 minutes for runny yolks
- 6
Transfer cooked eggs to colander and run under cool water
- 7
Whisk together vinegar and olive oil, toss with arugula and season
- 8
Reheat quinoa if made ahead
- 9
Peel eggs and slice in half
- 10
Assemble bowls with arugula base, top with quinoa, roasted vegetables, eggs, and avocado crema
Tips
For firmer egg yolks, cook eggs for 8-9 minutes instead of 7 minutes.
Substitute garam masala or any favorite spice blend if za'atar is unavailable.
Make quinoa ahead of time and store in refrigerator for quick assembly.
Good to Know
Store assembled bowls in refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep eggs separate if storing longer.
Cook quinoa and roast vegetables up to 3 days ahead. Soft-boil eggs day of serving for best texture.
Serve immediately while eggs are warm and vegetables are at room temperature.
Common Mistakes
Don't overcook eggs to avoid firm yolks when aiming for runny centers.
Avoid overcrowding sheet pan to ensure proper roasting of vegetables.
Substitutions
FAQ
Can I make this bowl vegan?
Yes, omit the eggs and sour cream. Add extra avocado or tahini dressing for creaminess and protein from the chickpeas.
How long will the cooked quinoa keep?
Cooked quinoa stays fresh in the refrigerator for up to 5 days when stored in an airtight container.
What if I don't have za'atar?
Substitute with garam masala, dukkah, or make your own blend with dried thyme, sesame seeds, and sumac.