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Quinoa and Vegetable Sauté

A healthy, easy-to-cook Indian vegetarian quinoa and vegetable sauté — protein-rich quinoa tossed with colourful veggies and mild Indian seasoning, ready under 30 minutes.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 2 plates
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Indian
Calories: 280

Ingredients
  

Ingredients
  • 1 cup quinoa (rinsed)
  • 2 cup water for cooking quinoa
  • 1 tbsp oil (olive or vegetable)
  • ½ medium onion, chopped
  • 1 small carrot, chopped medium-finely
  • ½ green bell pepper (capsicum), chopped
  • ½ red bell pepper (capsicum), chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • ½ tsp turmeric powder optional for colour
  • ¼ tsp red chili powder (or to taste) optional
  • salt to taste
  • fresh coriander (cilantro), chopped for garnish

Equipment

  • saucepan or pot
  • large frying pan / wok

Method
 

  1. Rinse quinoa thoroughly under running water to remove any bitterness, then drain well.
  2. In a saucepan, bring 2 cups water to a boil. Add the rinsed quinoa and a pinch of salt. Reduce heat to simmer, cover and cook for 12–15 minutes or until water is absorbed and quinoa is tender. Turn off heat and keep it covered for 5 minutes, then fluff with a fork.
  3. Meanwhile, heat oil in a large frying pan or wok on medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for about 2 minutes until translucent.
  4. Add minced garlic and sauté for another 30–60 seconds till you smell the aroma.
  5. Add chopped carrot, green and red bell pepper. Stir and sauté for 4–5 minutes until vegetables are slightly tender but still have some crunch.
  6. Sprinkle turmeric powder, red chili powder (if using) and salt. Mix well so vegetables are evenly coated with spices.
  7. Add the cooked and fluffed quinoa to the pan. Gently mix quinoa and vegetables until well combined. Cook for 2–3 minutes to heat everything through.
  8. Taste and adjust salt or spice if needed. Turn off heat, garnish with freshly chopped coriander and serve hot.

Notes

You can add more vegetables like peas, corn or beans according to availability. For extra protein, toss in some boiled chickpeas or paneer cubes before serving. Leftover sauté can be refrigerated and used as lunch next day.