Curried Quinoa
I’ll let you know right off the bat that I’m still not a serious fan of quinoa. I’ve tried, and I keep trying, and I think I finally have found my flavor that impacts quinoa, so much as that I ate it for like three days straight. Yup, I said it, three days straight. Quinoa. You have probably seen the commercial from Budweiser, it’s funny, and it kind of sums up the idea of quinoa in my opinion. Quinoa has been a buzz for some time now, and it probably makes sense. It’s good for you, hands down, but simply made, it is bland, and can be a bit bitter if you don’t prepare it correctly. Â Well, I had to change all of this, and make quinoa taste good, and well, feel good.
I’ve lately become somewhat addicted to Indian spices and recipes, probably as much as I have been with Thai and Vietnamese recipes. Let’s get started on this simple dish that explodes in flavor, and heck great for you to boot.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup quinoa, rinsed 3 times
- 2 cups water
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp cumin seeds
- 1 tsp coriander seeds
- 1/2 tsp garam masala
- 1/2 tsp turmeric
- 1/2 tbsp grated ginger/garlic paste
- 1/4 tsp chili powder
- Salt, additional for taste
Start by adding the quinoa, salt, and water to a pot. Bring to a medium-high heat, bring to a boil, and cook for about 25 minutes, until light and fluffy.
During this time, add the oil to a skillet and bring to medium heat.
Toss cumin and coriander seeds. Cook for a few minutes. Then toss in the onions, turmeric, garam masala, chili powder, and the ginger and garlic paste. Cook for about 5 minutes until the onions have sweated.
Add the onion mixture to the cooked quinoa and give a nice stir until everything has been incorporated.
Taste and season with additional salt.
Dig in. The quinoa, as good as it naturally is, is elevated by great curry flavors. So much that it reminds me of tabouleh or something along those lines, but enhanced by earthy and spice that really just brings you back for more. Yes, for more, and that’s not a bad thing as everything is really good for you in this dish. Like quinoa? Give this a shot. Hope you enjoy.
