Are you tired of the same boring meals that leave you uninspired? Get ready to tantalize your taste buds with our game-changing Curry Fried Quinoa - a dish that promises to revolutionize your dinner experience! This Indian-inspired culinary masterpiece combines the protein-packed goodness of quinoa with vibrant vegetables and aromatic curry spices, creating a meal that's not just delicious, but also incredibly nutritious and quick to prepare.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: Indian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup quinoa
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 1 cup mixed vegetables (carrots, peas, bell peppers)
- 2 tbsp curry powder
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt to taste
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 with vegetable broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes until liquid is absorbed and quinoa is fluffy.
- While quinoa is cooking, prepare your vegetables by chopping the onion and mincing the garlic. Dice the mixed vegetables into small, uniform pieces.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add chopped onions and sauté until translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add minced garlic and mixed vegetables to the skillet. Stir-fry for 4-5 minutes until vegetables are tender-crisp.
- Sprinkle curry powder over the vegetables and stir to coat evenly, cooking for an additional 1-2 minutes to release the spice's aromatics.
- Once quinoa is cooked, fluff with a fork and add to the skillet with vegetables. Gently mix to combine all ingredients.
- Season with salt to taste, stirring to distribute seasoning evenly.
- Cook the combined mixture for an additional 2-3 minutes to allow flavors to meld and quinoa to slightly crisp.
- Remove from heat and serve hot, garnishing with fresh herbs if desired.
Tips
- Rinse Quinoa Thoroughly: Always rinse quinoa before cooking to remove the natural saponin coating, which can make it taste bitter.
- Use Fresh Spices: For the most vibrant curry flavor, use fresh curry powder and consider toasting it briefly in the pan to enhance its aromatics.
- Vegetable Prep Matters: Cut vegetables into uniform sizes to ensure even cooking and a consistent texture.
- Don't Overcrowd the Pan: Stir-fry vegetables in batches if needed to maintain high heat and achieve that perfect crisp-tender texture.
- Let Quinoa Rest: After cooking, let quinoa sit for a few minutes before fluffing to help it absorb flavors and achieve the best texture.
- Optional Enhancements: Consider adding protein like tofu, chickpeas, or grilled chicken to make the dish more substantial.
- Garnish Wisely: Fresh herbs like cilantro or a squeeze of lime can elevate the final dish and add a bright, fresh note.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 8g
Fat: 10g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 0mg
