Are you ready to elevate your dining experience with a dish that bursts with flavor and vibrant colors? Say hello to Turmeric Quinoa with Pomegranates and Walnuts—a Middle Eastern-inspired delight that not only tantalizes your taste buds but also packs a nutritional punch! This easy-to-make recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a stunning centerpiece for your next gathering. With its golden hue and the delightful crunch of walnuts paired with the juicy sweetness of pomegranate seeds, this dish is sure to impress. Dive into our recipe and discover how to create this culinary masterpiece in just 30 minutes!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup quinoa
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 1 teaspoon turmeric
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- Salt to taste
- 1/2 cup pomegranate seeds
- 1/2 cup walnuts, chopped
- Fresh parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- Rinse the quinoa thoroughly under cold water using a fine-mesh strainer to remove any bitter coating.
- In a medium saucepan, combine the quinoa, vegetable broth, turmeric, cumin, and a pinch of salt. Stir to mix the spices evenly.
- Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat to low and cover the pan with a tight-fitting lid.
- Simmer the quinoa for approximately 15-18 minutes, or until all the liquid is absorbed and the quinoa is tender with a slight bite.
- Remove from heat and let the quinoa sit, covered, for an additional 5 minutes to allow it to steam and become fluffy.
- Using a fork, gently fluff the quinoa to separate the grains and release the aromatic turmeric and cumin.
- Transfer the quinoa to a serving dish and let it cool slightly for 2-3 minutes.
- Sprinkle the chopped walnuts over the quinoa, distributing them evenly.
- Scatter the fresh pomegranate seeds on top of the quinoa and walnuts.
- Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for added color and fresh flavor.
- Serve warm as a side dish or light main course, ensuring each serving gets a good mix of quinoa, walnuts, and pomegranate seeds.
Tips
- Rinse the Quinoa: Always rinse your quinoa thoroughly to remove its natural coating, called saponin, which can give it a bitter taste. A fine-mesh strainer works best for this task.
- Adjust the Spices: Feel free to customize the spices according to your taste. If you prefer a bit more heat, consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili flakes to the mix.
- Perfectly Fluffy Quinoa: After cooking, let the quinoa sit covered for an additional 5 minutes. This steaming process ensures that the grains become light and fluffy.
- Garnish for Color: Don’t skip the fresh parsley! It adds a pop of color and a fresh flavor that beautifully complements the dish.
- Serving Suggestions: This quinoa dish can be served warm as a side or as a light main course. Pair it with grilled vegetables or a protein of your choice for a complete meal.
- Storage Tips: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of vegetable broth to keep it moist.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 12g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 0mg
