Quick Quinoa Vegetable Recipe – Indian-Style Fried Quinoa

Last Updated on 6 months ago by Neha Deshmukh

Quick Quinoa Vegetable Recipe – Indian-Style Fried Quinoa

Hey everyone! I’m so excited to share this super quick and easy quinoa vegetable recipe with you. It’s become a weeknight staple in my kitchen – honestly, it’s ready faster than ordering takeout! This Indian-style fried quinoa is packed with flavor, healthy, and a fantastic way to sneak in some extra veggies. Let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is a winner for so many reasons. It’s incredibly fast – ready in under 30 minutes. It’s also really versatile; you can swap out the veggies for whatever you have on hand. Plus, it’s a delicious and healthy alternative to traditional fried rice. I first made this when I was trying to eat a little healthier, and it quickly became a family favorite!

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this delightful quinoa dish:

• 1 cup quinoa
• 1 cup mixed vegetables (frozen peas, carrot, beans) – about 150g
• 1 cup capsicum (bell pepper) – about 140g
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• ½ – 1 teaspoon sugar (adjust to taste)
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt to taste

Ingredient Notes

Let’s talk ingredients! A few little tips can make all the difference.

Quinoa: Types and Health Benefits

Quinoa is a nutritional powerhouse! You can find white, red, and black quinoa. I usually use white quinoa for this recipe as it has a milder flavor, but feel free to experiment. 1 cup of dry quinoa yields about 3 cups cooked.

Mixed Vegetables: Regional Variations & Fresh vs. Frozen

Frozen mixed vegetables are perfectly fine (and super convenient!), but if you have fresh veggies on hand, even better! In India, you might see this made with a wider variety of vegetables like cauliflower, potatoes, or green beans.

Capsicum (Bell Peppers): Choosing the Right Color & Flavor

I love using red or yellow capsicum for a touch of sweetness, but green works just as well. The color doesn’t affect the flavor too much, so pick your favorite!

Olive Oil: Alternatives & Health Considerations

Olive oil adds a lovely flavor, but you can substitute it with any neutral oil like sunflower or canola oil. Just keep in mind that different oils have different smoke points.

Black Pepper: Freshly Ground vs. Pre-Ground

Freshly ground black pepper always tastes better! It has a much more vibrant flavor. But pre-ground is fine in a pinch.

Salt: Types and Usage in Indian Cooking

I usually use regular table salt, but you can also use sea salt or Himalayan pink salt. In Indian cooking, salt is crucial for balancing flavors, so don’t be shy!

Step-By-Step Instructions

Alright, let’s get down to business!

1. First, give your quinoa a really good wash under cold water. This gets rid of the saponins, which can make it taste bitter. Drain it well using a strainer.
2. Now, pop the washed quinoa into your pressure cooker with a pinch of salt and 1 cup (240ml) of water. Pressure cook for 4 whistles. Once it’s cooked, fluff it up with a drizzle of olive oil and let it cool – I usually pop it in the fridge for a bit. Cold quinoa fries up beautifully!
3. Heat the remaining olive oil in a pan over medium-high heat. Add your mixed vegetables, a sprinkle of salt, and a pinch of sugar. Toss them around for about 1.5 minutes until they’re slightly softened.
4. Add the capsicum and give it another 30-second toss. You want it to still have a little bit of crunch.
5. Now, add the black pepper and the chilled quinoa. Gently toss everything together until it’s well combined.
6. Finally, drizzle with the remaining olive oil for a nice glaze. Serve hot with your favorite tomato chili sauce!

Expert Tips

Here are a few things I’ve learned over the years to make this recipe even better:

Achieving the Perfect Texture

The key to great fried quinoa is to make sure the quinoa is completely cooled before you start frying. This prevents it from getting mushy.

Preventing Sticky Quinoa

If your quinoa is sticking to the pan, add a little more oil. Don’t overcrowd the pan either – work in batches if necessary.

Balancing Flavors – Salt, Sugar & Spice

Don’t be afraid to adjust the salt, sugar, and pepper to your liking. A little bit of sugar helps to balance the flavors and enhance the sweetness of the vegetables.

Variations

Want to switch things up? Here are a few ideas:

Vegan Quinoa Vegetable Recipe

This recipe is already naturally vegan! Just double-check your tomato chili sauce to make sure it doesn’t contain any animal products.

Gluten-Free Adaptations

This recipe is also naturally gluten-free!

Spice Level Adjustments (Mild, Medium, Spicy)

Add a pinch of chili flakes or a finely chopped green chili for a spicier kick. My friend loves adding a dash of cayenne pepper!

Festival Adaptations (Navratri/Fasting Friendly)

During Navratri, you can skip the capsicum and use only vegetables that are allowed during fasting.

Serving Suggestions

This quinoa vegetable recipe is delicious on its own, but it also pairs well with:

• A side of raita (yogurt dip)
• A simple dal (lentil soup)
• Papadums (Indian crispy wafers)

Storage Instructions

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a pan or microwave.

FAQs

Let’s answer some common questions!

What is the best way to wash quinoa?

Place the quinoa in a fine-mesh sieve and rinse under cold water for a minute or two, rubbing it gently with your hands.

Can I use different vegetables in this recipe?

Absolutely! Feel free to use any vegetables you like – broccoli, cauliflower, peas, carrots, beans, you name it!

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

You can cook the quinoa ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. But I recommend frying it up just before serving for the best texture.

What is a good substitute for olive oil?

Sunflower oil, canola oil, or avocado oil all work well.

How can I adjust the spice level of this dish?

Add chili flakes, cayenne pepper, or a chopped green chili to increase the spice level.

Is quinoa a good source of protein for vegetarians?

Yes! Quinoa is a complete protein, meaning it contains all nine essential amino acids. It’s a fantastic option for vegetarians and vegans.