10+ Indian Quinoa Recipes for Healthy and Delicious Meals

Quinoa has gained popularity as a nutritious and versatile grain, fitting well into many diets. Indian quinoa recipes provide a creative way to enjoy this superfood while incorporating bold flavors and essential spices. These dishes are not only healthy but also easy to make, making them perfect for both busy weeknights and special occasions.

With a variety of options available, including stir-fries, curries, and salads, you can easily find a recipe that suits your taste. Whether you’re looking to add more plant-based meals to your diet or simply want to try something new, Indian quinoa recipes offer a delicious twist to your everyday meals.

Quinoa Upma

Quinoa Upma is a tasty and healthy twist on the traditional South Indian dish. You can enjoy it as a breakfast or a light dinner. This dish is rich in vegetables and spices, making it both nutritious and delicious.

To make Quinoa Upma, start by rinsing your quinoa well. This helps remove the bitter taste. Use a 1:2 ratio of quinoa to water for fluffy results. The cooking time is around 15 minutes.

You can add ingredients like peas, carrots, and spices such as mustard seeds, cumin, and turmeric. Squeeze some lemon juice on top before serving for extra flavor. Serve it hot with yogurt or chutney for a delightful meal.

Ingredients

• 1 cup quinoa
• 2 cups water
• 1 cup mixed vegetables (peas, carrots)
• 1 teaspoon mustard seeds
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon turmeric
• Lemon juice to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Rinse quinoa under cold water.
2. In a pot, heat oil and add mustard seeds and cumin.
3. Once they pop, add vegetables and sauté for a few minutes.
4. Add quinoa and water, then bring to a boil.
5. Cover and simmer for 15 minutes.
6. Fluff with a fork and add lemon juice before serving.

2) Quinoa Biryani

Quinoa Biryani is a tasty and healthy twist on the classic biryani. Instead of rice, you use quinoa, packed with nutrients. This dish is colorful and full of flavor, making it perfect for lunch or dinner.

You can make Quinoa Biryani in your Instant Pot or on the stovetop. It’s easy to prepare and takes about 30 minutes. Adding vegetables and biryani spices gives it a wonderful taste.

You will love how filling and nutritious it is. Pair it with a side of mint raita, and you have a delightful meal!

Ingredients

• 1 cup quinoa
• 2 cups water
• 1 cup mixed vegetables (like carrots, peas, and green beans)
• 1 onion, sliced
• 2 tablespoons biryani masala
• Salt to taste
• 2 tablespoons oil or ghee

Cooking Instructions

1. Rinse quinoa under cold water.
2. Heat oil in a pot and sauté onions until golden.
3. Add mixed vegetables and cook for a few minutes.
4. Stir in biryani masala and salt.
5. Add quinoa and water; bring to a boil.
6. Cover and simmer for 15 minutes.
7. Fluff with a fork, then serve hot.

3) Quinoa Chaat

Quinoa Chaat is a tasty and healthy Indian snack. It combines cooked quinoa with fresh vegetables and spices. This dish is perfect for a light meal or as an appetizer.

To make Quinoa Chaat, start by cooking your quinoa. You can use about 1 cup of quinoa and 1½ cups of water. Boil the water, add salt, and once it boils, add the quinoa. Cook for 10-15 minutes on low heat.

Next, chop some veggies. Use tomatoes, onions, and boiled corn for added flavor. You can also add green chilies for a little kick. Mix in spices such as black salt and chaat masala.

Finally, toss everything together with some crushed peanuts and pomegranate seeds. Top with fresh coriander for garnish. This vibrant dish not only looks great but also offers a blend of textures and flavors.

Ingredients

• 1 cup quinoa
• 1½ cups water
• Salt (to taste)
• 2 tbsp chopped tomato
• 2 tbsp chopped onion
• 2 tbsp boiled corn
• 1 chopped green chili
• ½ tsp black salt
• 1 tsp chaat masala
• 1 tbsp crushed peanuts
• 2 tbsp pomegranate seeds
• 1 tbsp chopped coriander

Cooking Instructions

1. Boil 1½ cups of water with salt.
2. Add 1 cup of quinoa and cook on low heat for 10-15 minutes.
3. Chop vegetables: tomato, onion, and green chili.
4. Mix cooked quinoa with veggies and spices.
5. Add crushed peanuts and pomegranate seeds.
6. Garnish with chopped coriander before serving.

4) Quinoa Tikka Masala

Quinoa Tikka Masala is a delicious twist on the classic dish. It combines protein-rich quinoa with the rich flavors of tikka masala.

To start, rinse 1 cup of quinoa under cold water. In a saucepan, bring the quinoa and 2 cups of water or broth to a boil. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for about 15 minutes, until the quinoa is fluffy.

In another pan, heat some olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onion, garlic, and ginger, cooking until the onion turns translucent. Stir in spices like garam masala, turmeric, and cumin, along with diced tomatoes.

Mix the cooked quinoa into the spice mixture. Let it simmer for a few more minutes to blend the flavors. You can serve it with cilantro on top for extra flavor.

Ingredients

• 1 cup quinoa
• 2 cups water or broth
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1-inch ginger, grated
• 1 teaspoon garam masala
• 1/2 teaspoon turmeric
• 1/2 teaspoon cumin
• 1 can diced tomatoes
• Fresh cilantro for garnish

Cooking Instructions

1. Rinse quinoa under cold water.
2. Boil quinoa in water or broth for 15 minutes.
3. In a separate pan, heat oil and sauté onion, garlic, and ginger.
4. Add spices and diced tomatoes to the pan.
5. Mix cooked quinoa into the spice mixture.
6. Simmer for a few minutes and garnish with cilantro.

5) Quinoa Pulao

Quinoa Pulao is a tasty and healthy dish that you can enjoy any time of day. It’s made with quinoa, mixed vegetables, and spices. This meal is perfect for a quick lunch or dinner.

To make Quinoa Pulao, you start by rinsing your quinoa. Then, cook it with water until fluffy. You can use a pot or an Instant Pot for this.

In a pan, heat some oil and add whole spices like cumin and bay leaves. Then, sauté chopped onions, green chilies, and garlic until the onions are soft. Add your vegetables next.

Finally, mix in the cooked quinoa and spices. Stir well to combine everything. Your Quinoa Pulao is now ready to serve!

Ingredients

• 1 cup quinoa
• 2 cups water
• 1 tablespoon oil
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 green chilies, chopped
• 1 tablespoon ginger-garlic paste
• Mixed vegetables (carrots, bell peppers, green beans)
• Spices (cumin, bay leaves, salt)

Cooking Instructions

1. Rinse the quinoa under cold water.
2. Cook quinoa with 2 cups of water in a pot or Instant Pot.
3. In a pan, heat oil and add whole spices.
4. Sauté onions, green chilies, and garlic until soft.
5. Add mixed vegetables and cook for a few minutes.
6. Stir in the cooked quinoa and spices.
7. Mix well and serve.

6) Quinoa Kheer

Quinoa kheer is a delightful twist on traditional Indian rice pudding. You can easily prepare this creamy dessert using quinoa. The flavors of cardamom and saffron make it truly special.

To make quinoa kheer, you will need a few simple ingredients: quinoa, milk, sugar, and condensed milk. You can also add nuts like almonds and cashews for extra texture.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup quinoa
• 4 cups milk
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1/2 cup condensed milk
• 1/4 teaspoon cardamom powder
• A pinch of saffron
• Chopped nuts (optional)

Cooking Instructions:

1. Rinse the quinoa thoroughly under cold water.
2. In a pot, bring the milk to a boil.
3. Add the rinsed quinoa and stir.
4. Lower the heat and simmer until the quinoa is cooked, about 15-20 minutes.
5. Stir in the sugar, condensed milk, cardamom, and saffron.
6. Cook for another 5 minutes.
7. Serve warm or chilled, topped with nuts if desired.

7) Quinoa Masala Dosa

Quinoa Masala Dosa is a tasty twist on the traditional dosa. This dish uses quinoa as a base, giving you a healthy option that’s packed with protein. You will love its crispy texture and savory filling.

To make this dish, you begin by soaking quinoa and lentils. After a few hours, blend them to form a smooth batter. Fermenting the batter helps create that perfect tangy flavor.

The filling usually contains spiced potatoes, onions, and mustard seeds. Spread the filling inside the dosa and serve it hot with chutney or sambar for a delightful meal.

Ingredients

• 1 cup quinoa
• 1/2 cup split urad dal (or any lentils)
• 1 potato, boiled and mashed
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 1-2 green chilies, chopped
• 1 tsp mustard seeds
• Salt, to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Soak quinoa and lentils for 4-6 hours.
2. Drain and blend them into a smooth batter.
3. Ferment the batter for 8-12 hours.
4. In a pan, cook mustard seeds, onions, and chilies.
5. Add mashed potato and mix well.
6. Heat a skillet, pour batter, and spread it thin.
7. Place filling inside and fold the dosa. Cook until crispy.

8) Quinoa Khichdi

Quinoa Khichdi is a nutritious twist on the traditional Indian comfort food. It combines quinoa with lentils and vegetables to create a delicious one-pot meal. This dish is easy to make and perfect for busy weeknights.

You will enjoy its nutty flavor and satisfying texture. Plus, it’s a great option if you’re looking for a gluten-free meal. The ingredients blend well together, making it tasty and wholesome.

To prepare Quinoa Khichdi, you will need basic ingredients. It cooks quickly in an Instant Pot or pressure cooker, making it convenient for modern kitchens.

Ingredients

• 1 cup quinoa
• ½ cup split yellow lentils (moong dal)
• 2 cups mixed vegetables (like carrots, peas, and beans)
• 1 tsp cumin seeds
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2-3 green chilies, slit
• ½ tsp turmeric powder
• Salt to taste
• 3.5 cups water

Cooking Instructions

1. Rinse quinoa and lentils under water.
2. Heat oil in a pot or Instant Pot. Add cumin seeds, onions, and green chilies.
3. Sauté until the onions turn golden brown.
4. Add mixed vegetables, turmeric, and salt. Cook for a few minutes.
5. Add quinoa, lentils, and water. Stir to combine.
6. Cook in a pressure cooker for about 15 minutes or in an Instant Pot on low pressure for 10 minutes.
7. Release the pressure and serve hot.

9) Quinoa Pav Bhaji

Quinoa Pav Bhaji is a delicious twist on the classic Indian street food. This dish uses quinoa instead of potatoes, making it healthier while still packed with flavor.

To make Quinoa Pav Bhaji, you start by cooking the quinoa until fluffy. In a pan, sauté onions, tomatoes, and bell peppers with spices like pav bhaji masala.

Once the vegetables are cooked down, mix in the cooked quinoa and let the flavors meld together. Serve it hot with buttered pav (bread rolls). A squeeze of lemon adds a nice tang.

This meal is not only tasty but also full of nutrients. It’s great for lunch or dinner and can be served at gatherings too.

Ingredients

• 1 cup cooked quinoa
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1 tomato, chopped
• 1 bell pepper, chopped
• 2 tablespoons pav bhaji masala
• 2 tablespoons oil
• Salt, to taste
• Lemon, for garnish
• Buttered pav (bread rolls)

Cooking Instructions

1. Cook the quinoa as per package instructions and set aside.
2. Heat oil in a pan over medium heat (350°F or 180°C).
3. Sauté the onion until translucent.
4. Add the tomato and bell pepper, cook until soft.
5. Stir in pav bhaji masala and salt.
6. Mix in the cooked quinoa and cook for 2-3 minutes.
7. Serve hot with buttered pav and a wedge of lemon.

10) Quinoa Paneer Tikka

Quinoa Paneer Tikka is a delicious twist on the classic Indian dish. It combines marinated paneer with nutritious quinoa for a meal that’s both tasty and healthy.

To make this dish, start by cubing paneer and marinating it in spices. You can use yogurt, turmeric, cumin, and chili powder for flavor. Let it sit for about 30 minutes.

While the paneer marinates, cook quinoa according to package instructions, usually about 15 minutes. You’ll want it fluffy and ready to mix.

Next, grill or bake the marinated paneer in the oven at 400°F (200°C) until golden brown. This usually takes about 15-20 minutes.

Once everything is ready, serve the grilled paneer over the cooked quinoa. Garnish with fresh cilantro and lemon juice for extra flavor.

Ingredients

• 1 cup quinoa
• 200 g paneer
• 1/2 cup yogurt
• 1 tsp turmeric
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1 tsp chili powder
• Fresh cilantro
• Lemon juice

Cooking Instructions

1. Cube the paneer and marinate with yogurt and spices.
2. Let it marinate for 30 minutes.
3. Cook quinoa as per package instructions.
4. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
5. Grill or bake marinated paneer for 15-20 minutes.
6. Serve paneer over cooked quinoa and garnish with cilantro and lemon juice.