Why Make This Recipe
Curried quinoa is a delightful dish that brings together the goodness of quinoa and aromatic spices. This recipe is not only tasty but also simple to make. It’s perfect for a quick lunch, a light dinner, or even a picnic treat. Plus, it’s packed with nutrients, making it a healthy choice for everyone.
How to Make Deliciously Easy Curried Quinoa
Ingredients
- 1 cup quinoa, rinsed
- 1 tablespoon oil (olive or neutral)
- 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 1 tablespoon garlic paste (or 4–5 minced cloves)
- 1 tablespoon ginger paste (or 1 inch fresh ginger)
- 1 teaspoon curry powder
- ½ teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1 teaspoon coriander powder
- ½ teaspoon red chili flakes (optional)
- 1 medium tomato, diced
- 1 medium carrot, chopped
- ½ cup green peas (fresh or frozen)
- Salt, to taste
- 2 cups water
- Fresh cilantro, for garnish
- Lemon wedges, optional
Directions
- Rinse quinoa thoroughly under cold water to remove bitterness.
- Heat oil in a saucepan, add cumin seeds, and sauté until they sizzle.
- Add chopped onion and cook until golden and translucent.
- Stir in garlic and ginger paste, and sauté until aromatic.
- Add diced tomato, cooking until soft and pulpy.
- Stir in curry powder, turmeric, coriander, chili flakes, and salt. Toast spices briefly.
- Add chopped carrot and peas, stirring to coat with spices.
- Mix in rinsed quinoa and water. Stir and bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 15–18 minutes, until liquid is absorbed and quinoa is fluffy.
- Let rest covered for 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork, garnish with cilantro, and serve with lemon wedges.
How to Serve Deliciously Easy Curried Quinoa
Serve the curried quinoa warm. This dish goes well on its own or alongside a salad. You can also serve it with lemon wedges to add a zesty flavor. It is great as a main course or as a side dish for grilled meats or fish.
How to Store Deliciously Easy Curried Quinoa
Store any leftover curried quinoa in an airtight container. It can last in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to eat it again, simply reheat it in the microwave or on the stove. You can add a splash of water to help it regain moisture while heating.
Tips to Make Deliciously Easy Curried Quinoa
- Make sure to rinse the quinoa well to remove bitterness.
- Feel free to adjust the spices according to your taste. Add more chili flakes if you like it spicy!
- For an extra crunch, consider adding nuts like cashews or almonds.
Variation
You can customize this recipe by adding your favorite vegetables. Bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach would work nicely. You may also substitute quinoa with other grains, like brown rice or millet, although the cooking times may vary.
FAQs
Q: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can prepare it in advance and store it in the fridge. Just reheat when you’re ready to serve.
Q: Is this recipe vegan-friendly?
A: Absolutely! It is entirely plant-based and vegan.
Q: Can I freeze curried quinoa?
A: Yes, you can freeze it. Just ensure it is in a freezer-safe container. It will last for about 2-3 months in the freezer.
Deliciously Easy Curried Quinoa
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Vegan
Description
A delightful curried quinoa dish packed with nutrients, perfect for quick lunches, light dinners, or picnic treats.
Ingredients
- 1 cup quinoa, rinsed
- 1 tablespoon oil (olive or neutral)
- 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 1 tablespoon garlic paste (or 4–5 minced cloves)
- 1 tablespoon ginger paste (or 1 inch fresh ginger)
- 1 teaspoon curry powder
- ½ teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1 teaspoon coriander powder
- ½ teaspoon red chili flakes (optional)
- 1 medium tomato, diced
- 1 medium carrot, chopped
- ½ cup green peas (fresh or frozen)
- Salt, to taste
- 2 cups water
- Fresh cilantro, for garnish
- Lemon wedges, optional
Instructions
- Rinse quinoa thoroughly under cold water to remove bitterness.
- Heat oil in a saucepan, add cumin seeds, and sauté until they sizzle.
- Add chopped onion and cook until golden and translucent.
- Stir in garlic and ginger paste, and sauté until aromatic.
- Add diced tomato, cooking until soft and pulpy.
- Stir in curry powder, turmeric, coriander, chili flakes, and salt. Toast spices briefly.
- Add chopped carrot and peas, stirring to coat with spices.
- Mix in rinsed quinoa and water. Stir and bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 15–18 minutes, until liquid is absorbed and quinoa is fluffy.
- Let rest covered for 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork, garnish with cilantro, and serve with lemon wedges.
Notes
Feel free to adjust the spices according to your taste. Add crunch with nuts like cashews or almonds. Customize with your favorite vegetables.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Indian