Mediterranean Ground Lamb Quinoa Bowl
A rich, high-protein bowl featuring warm-spiced ground lamb over fluffy broth-cooked quinoa, topped with lemon-herb cucumbers, pickled red onion, toasted pumpkin seeds, and a garlic tahini drizzle. Completely gluten-free, dairy-free, soy-free, and nightshade-free.
Prep
15 min
Cook
20 min
Total
35 min
Makes
1 serving
Created together. Shared with you.
Made by Dylan + Lila
Dylan created this recipe with Lila and shared it with the perimenopause community.
The feel-good payoff
Why this meal can feel especially good in perimenopause
Think practical wins: steadier energy, comfortable fullness and one less food decision. Your response is personal, so use the prompts below to notice what works for you.
Perimenopause symptoms and relief · Office on Women’s HealthSteadier energy
Feel fueled, not flattened
A complete meal with protein, carbohydrates and fats is designed to offer more staying power than a quick carb-only fix.
Notice: energy 1–3 hours later
Comfortably satisfied
Fullness that has staying power
This meal is designed to feel substantial, so finishing it can feel like the meal is complete rather than the start of an evening of grazing.
Notice: fullness 2–3 hours later
More staying power
Make the next few hours easier
This meal is built to be more sustaining than a snack-sized stopgap, with enough substance to carry you into the next part of the day.
Notice: energy + fullness later
Clearer, simpler choices
Let the recipe do the thinking
Clear steps and a complete plate mean fewer decisions when focus is in short supply—and a more substantial meal once you are done.
Notice: focus + energy later
Setup
Get set up
Choose your servings, gather what you need, then cook along below.
Prep
15 min
Cook
20 min
Total
35 min
How many are you cooking for?
The ingredient amounts update automatically.
Equipment
Large skillet · Saucepan · Colander · Mixing bowl
Time saver
Make an extra portion of cooked quinoa and ground lamb to store in an airtight container for up to 4 days for quick assembly later.
Do these three things first
- 1Set out all ingredients before cooking
- 2Measure the pantry ingredients before heating the pan
- 3Read through the steps once before you begin
Ingredients
Gather as you go
Ingredients
Cook along
Instructions
0 of 8 steps complete
Next: Measure 0
- 01
Measure 0
Measure 0.25 cup (45g) quinoa and rinse thoroughly under cold water in a fine-mesh strainer.
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Heat a small saucepan over medium-high heat
Heat a small saucepan over medium-high heat. Add the rinsed quinoa and 0.5 cup (120ml) chicken broth. Bring to a boil, then cover with a tight-fitting lid, lower heat to low, and simmer for 15 minutes until liquid is absorbed.
Look for: liquid is absorbed
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Remove quinoa from heat and keep covered…
Remove quinoa from heat and keep covered to steam for 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork.
Allow: 5 minutes
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Heat 1 tsp (5ml) olive oil in…
Heat 1 tsp (5ml) olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add 1 minced garlic clove and 150g lean ground lamb. Cook for 6 to 8 minutes, breaking it into small bits until browned through with no pink remaining (internal temperature 160°F or 71°C).
Look for: browned through with no pink remaining (internal temperature 160°F or 71°C)
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Stir in dried oregano
Stir in dried oregano, ground cumin, ground coriander, ground allspice, and ground cinnamon into the lamb. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
Look for: fragrant
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Combine sliced cucumber
Combine sliced cucumber, thinly sliced red onion, chopped fresh mint, and 1 tbsp (15ml) lemon juice in a small bowl. Toss gently.
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Prepare the sauce by whisking tahini
Prepare the sauce by whisking tahini, 1 tbsp (15ml) lemon juice, 1 minced garlic clove, and 1 tbsp (15ml) warm water until smooth and pourable.
Look for: smooth and pourable
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Assemble the bowl by placing the fluffy…
Assemble the bowl by placing the fluffy quinoa at the base, layering seasoned lamb alongside the fresh cucumber salad, kalamata olives, and toasted pumpkin seeds. Drizzle the garlic tahini sauce over the top before serving.
Ready when: everything is assembled and ready to enjoy
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