Description
This Curried Quinoa is a nourishing, plant-powered recipe packed with Indian-inspired spices, protein-rich quinoa, and hearty vegetables. It’s vegan, gluten-free, and perfect for quick weeknight dinners, meal prep, or as a vibrant side dish. Full of bold flavor and easy to make, this dish is guaranteed to win your heart.
Ingredients
Scale
- 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, 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 fork, garnish with cilantro, and serve with lemon wedges.
Notes
- Always rinse quinoa well to remove natural bitterness (saponin).
- Use broth instead of water for a richer flavor.
- Don’t burn spices—sauté them gently for best taste.
- Quinoa tastes even better the next day as flavors deepen.
- Add coconut milk instead of water for a creamier variation.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Indian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 260
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 190mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 9g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: Curried Quinoa, Vegan Quinoa Recipe, Curry Quinoa Bowl, Healthy Plant-Based Dinner, Gluten-Free Quinoa Curry