10+ Indian Quinoa Recipes for a Delicious Twist on Healthy Eating

Indian cuisine offers many dishes that are both flavorful and nutritious. Among these, quinoa is gaining popularity as a versatile ingredient.

Quinoa is packed with protein and can be prepared in numerous ways, from salads to main courses. Incorporating quinoa into your meals allows you to enjoy a healthy alternative while still savoring the rich flavors of Indian cooking.

1) Quinoa Pulao with Vegetables

Quinoa Pulao with vegetables is a tasty and healthy dish. It combines quinoa with fresh vegetables and flavorful spices. This one-pot meal is easy to prepare and great for lunch or dinner.

Start by cooking the quinoa until fluffy. In a pan, sauté onions, garlic, and your choice of mixed vegetables. You can use carrots, peas, and bell peppers for extra color and nutrients.

Add the cooked quinoa to the pan and mix well. You can season the dish with salt, pepper, and your favorite herbs. For a zesty touch, add a squeeze of lemon juice. Serve warm, and enjoy a nutritious meal!

Ingredients

• 1 cup quinoa
• 1 onion, sliced
• 1 teaspoon ginger garlic paste
• 1 cup mixed vegetables (carrots, peas, bell peppers)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Lemon juice, to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Rinse the quinoa under cold water.
2. Cook quinoa in 2 cups of water until fluffy (approximately 15 minutes).
3. In a pan, sauté onion until golden.
4. Add ginger garlic paste and mixed vegetables, cooking until tender.
5. Stir in cooked quinoa and season with salt, pepper, and lemon juice.
6. Serve warm.

2) Spicy Indian Quinoa Curry

Spicy Indian Quinoa Curry is full of flavor and easy to make. This dish is a great way to enjoy nutritious quinoa with a kick. You can customize it with your favorite vegetables.

To start, cook quinoa according to package instructions. It usually takes about 15 minutes on the stove. While the quinoa is cooking, heat some oil in a pan and add spices like cumin and coriander for that authentic Indian taste.

Next, sauté onions, garlic, and ginger until they are soft. Then, add chopped tomatoes and mix in cooked quinoa. Stir in your choice of veggies, such as peas or bell peppers. Simmer for a few minutes to combine the flavors.

Ingredients

• 1 cup quinoa
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 inch ginger, minced
• 1 can diced tomatoes
• 1 cup mixed vegetables (peas, bell peppers)
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1 tsp coriander
• Salt to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Cook quinoa according to package instructions.
2. In a pan, heat olive oil over medium heat.
3. Add chopped onion, garlic, and ginger; sauté until soft.
4. Add diced tomatoes and spices; cook for 3-5 minutes.
5. Stir in cooked quinoa and mixed vegetables.
6. Simmer for an additional 5 minutes; season with salt.
7. Serve hot and enjoy!

3) South Indian Lemon Quinoa

South Indian Lemon Quinoa is a delicious and healthy dish. It combines quinoa with vibrant spices, lemon, and fresh herbs. This recipe makes for a wholesome meal that is also vegan.

To prepare this dish, you will cook quinoa in an Instant Pot or on the stovetop. The flavors come from ginger, mustard seeds, and curry leaves. These ingredients give the quinoa a unique taste that you will love.

This quinoa dish is not only tasty but also packed with protein. It’s a great option for lunch or dinner. You can serve it with mixed vegetables or even as a side dish.

Ingredients

• 1 cup quinoa
• 2 cups water
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon mustard seeds
• 1 teaspoon ginger, grated
• 1 lemon (juice)
• A few curry leaves
• Salt to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Rinse the quinoa under cold water.
2. In the Instant Pot, heat olive oil and add mustard seeds.
3. Once they pop, add ginger and curry leaves.
4. Add quinoa, water, lemon juice, and salt.
5. Cook on high pressure for 1 minute, then release the pressure.
6. Fluff the quinoa with a fork and serve.

4) Instant Pot Quinoa Biryani

Instant Pot Quinoa Biryani is a delicious and easy meal to prepare. It combines quinoa, spices, and veggies for a flavorful experience. You’ll love how quickly it cooks in the Instant Pot.

To start, gather your ingredients. This recipe is perfect for a filling lunch or dinner and offers a healthy twist on traditional biryani.

Ingredients

• 1 cup quinoa
• 1 can chickpeas, drained
• 1 onion, sliced
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 cup mixed vegetables (carrots, peas, etc.)
• 2 tablespoons biryani masala
• 1 tablespoon oil
• Salt, to taste
• 2 cups water

Cooking Instructions

1. Turn on your Instant Pot and select the sauté function.
2. Add oil and onions. Cook until soft.
3. Stir in garlic and mixed vegetables. Sauté for another minute.
4. Add quinoa, chickpeas, biryani masala, salt, and water.
5. Close the lid and set to manual pressure for 1 minute.
6. Allow natural pressure release for 10 minutes before opening.
7. Fluff with a fork and serve warm.

5) Quinoa Upma with Mixed Vegetables

Quinoa Upma with mixed vegetables is a nutritious and tasty dish. It is perfect for breakfast or a light meal. This recipe combines quinoa with spices and colorful veggies for a delightful flavor.

You will need to start by washing and soaking the quinoa. Next, prepare your vegetables. You can use carrots, peas, bell peppers, or any other favorites.

Heat oil in a pan and add mustard seeds. Once they pop, add the chopped vegetables and sauté for a few minutes. Then, add soaked quinoa and water. Bring it to a boil, then reduce the heat and cover. Cook until the quinoa absorbs all the water and is fluffy.

Ingredients

• 1 cup quinoa
• 2 cups water
• 1 cup mixed vegetables (carrots, peas, bell peppers)
• 1 tablespoon oil
• 1 teaspoon mustard seeds
• Salt to taste
• Curry leaves (optional)

Cooking Instructions

1. Wash and soak quinoa for 15-20 minutes.
2. Chop the mixed vegetables.
3. Heat oil in a pan and add mustard seeds.
4. Once they pop, add vegetables and sauté for 3-4 minutes.
5. Add soaked quinoa and water.
6. Bring to a boil, then cover and reduce heat.
7. Cook until quinoa is fluffy and water is absorbed. Enjoy your dish!

6) Zesty Quinoa Salad with Indian Spices

This zesty quinoa salad is a colorful and flavorful dish that brings Indian spices to your table. It has a mix of fresh veggies, a tangy dressing, and protein-rich quinoa.

Start with cooked quinoa and add chopped tomatoes, cucumbers, and onions. Sprinkle in some garam masala and cumin for that authentic Indian flavor.

For the dressing, mix olive oil, lemon juice, and a touch of salt. Drizzle it over your salad and toss everything together.

Enjoy this refreshing salad as a main dish or a side. It’s perfect for meal prep and can be served cold or at room temperature!

Ingredients

• 1 cup cooked quinoa
• 1 tomato, diced
• 1 cucumber, diced
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 1 teaspoon garam masala
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• Salt to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. In a large bowl, combine the cooked quinoa, tomato, cucumber, and onion.
2. Add garam masala and cumin; mix well.
3. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, and salt.
4. Pour the dressing over the salad; toss to combine.
5. Serve immediately or chill before serving.

7) Coconut Quinoa with Mustard Seeds

Coconut quinoa with mustard seeds is a delicious and nutritious dish you can easily make at home. This recipe combines the nutty flavor of quinoa with the rich taste of coconut and the spice of mustard seeds.

To start, heat some coconut oil in a pan. Add mustard seeds and let them crackle. Then, mix in urad dal, chana dal, and a dry red chili for extra flavor.

Next, add cooked quinoa and fresh grated coconut. Stir well so everything combines nicely. Cook until heated through, and enjoy this delightful dish warm.

Ingredients

• 1 cup quinoa
• 1½ cups water
• ½ cup grated coconut
• ½ tsp mustard seeds
• 1 tsp urad dal (split)
• 1 tsp chana dal
• 1 dry red chili
• 1-2 tbsp coconut oil

Cooking Instructions

1. Rinse the quinoa and drain.
2. In a pan, heat coconut oil over medium heat (about 350°F or 180°C).
3. Add mustard seeds and let them crackle.
4. Stir in urad dal, chana dal, and the dry red chili. Cook until golden.
5. Add cooked quinoa and grated coconut, stirring to combine.
6. Heat through and serve. Enjoy!

8) Quinoa Masala with Roasted Veggies

Quinoa masala with roasted veggies is a delicious and healthy dish. You can enjoy it as a main meal or a side dish. The roasted vegetables enhance the flavors of the quinoa, making it a filling option.

To make this dish, start by roasting your favorite vegetables. Bell peppers, zucchini, and carrots work well. Season them with spices like cumin, coriander, and turmeric for extra flavor.

Once your veggies are roasted, mix them with cooked quinoa. Add some chopped fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley to brighten it up. You can serve it warm or at room temperature.

Ingredients

• 1 cup quinoa
• 2 cups water
• 1 cup mixed vegetables (bell peppers, zucchini, carrots)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon coriander
• 1/2 teaspoon turmeric
• Salt to taste
• Fresh herbs (cilantro or parsley)

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Toss the vegetables with olive oil and spices. Roast for 20-25 minutes.
3. Rinse quinoa and cook it in water for 15 minutes.
4. Mix roasted veggies and quinoa together.
5. Garnish with fresh herbs and serve.

9) Herbed Quinoa Pilaf with Nuts

Herbed quinoa pilaf with nuts is a delicious and healthy dish. It brings together the nutty flavor of quinoa with fresh herbs and crunchy nuts. This makes it a great addition to any meal.

You can customize this recipe by choosing your favorite nuts. Almonds and pine nuts work well, adding texture and richness. Mixing in fresh herbs like basil and parsley gives the pilaf a bright taste.

Serve this pilaf warm as a side dish or enjoy it on its own for lunch. It pairs nicely with a side of yogurt or salad.

Ingredients

• 1 cup quinoa
• 2 cups water
• 1/2 cup sliced almonds or pine nuts
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Rinse the quinoa under cold water.
2. In a saucepan, combine quinoa and water. Bring to a boil.
3. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes.
4. In a pan, toast the nuts over medium heat until golden.
5. Fluff the quinoa with a fork and mix in olive oil, herbs, and nuts.
6. Season with salt and pepper. Serve warm.

10) Tangy Tamarind Quinoa Rice

Tangy Tamarind Quinoa Rice is a flavorful dish that combines cooked quinoa with a zesty tamarind sauce. The result is a delightful mix of taste and nutrition that is perfect as a main dish or a side.

To make this dish, you’ll need cooked quinoa and a few simple ingredients, such as tamarind paste and soy sauce. You can also add cooked rice for extra texture.

This dish is quick to prepare and brings a unique flavor to your table. It’s a fun way to enjoy the health benefits of quinoa while enjoying the tangy taste of tamarind.

Ingredients

• 1 cup cooked quinoa
• 1 cup cooked rice
• 2 tablespoons tamarind paste
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon honey

Cooking Instructions

1. Mix the tamarind paste, soy sauce, and honey in a bowl.
2. Combine the cooked quinoa and rice in a pan.
3. Pour the tamarind mixture over the grains and stir well.
4. Heat on low until warmed through, then serve.