How To Cook Healthy Quinoa With Turmeric

Inside: ​Learn how to make this easy quinoa recipe with turmeric, which is a great anti-inflammatory ingredients, full of antioxidants! 

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It can be hard to find a good option for nutritious carbs when you are practicing an anti-inflammatory diet. That is why quinoa is one of my favorite options, since it is just that. Today I am going to teach you an easy way to make a great recipe for cooking quinoa with another amazing ingredient called turmeric. 

What is Quinoa? 

Quinoa is an ancient grain that is grown mainly in the Andean region of South America, in countries such as Peru, Bolivia, and Ecuador. There are over 100 different varieties of quinoa in the world, but the most commonly consumed in the United States is white quinoa, which is the least bitter variety. 

Although there are many different types of quinoa, there are 3 types that are the most common – white, red, and black. If you look around, you can also find quinoa in other colors, like yellow and purple. 

One common way to eat cooked quinoa is as a replacement for rice. It has much more fiber and is loaded with nutrients that are important for our health. 

Some of the nutrients that you can find in quinoa are iron, magnesium, zinc, niacin, vitamin B2 and B6, folic acid, and vitamin E. It is also a great option to get in good carbs and is a great plant-based protein source. It is a complete protein and one cup includes at least 35 grams of carbohydrates and 5 grams of protein. 

Quinoa is a healthy grain that can also help improve circulation and reduce levels of stress and anxiety. 

It may go without saying, but quinoa is also a gluten-free ingredient which is great for people practicing a gluten-free diet. 

Quinoa has a very mild, but somewhat nutty flavor, which makes it easy to give it whatever flavor you are craving when you make it. For example, in this recipe, I added turmeric, which aside from giving it some added color, also adds even more anti-inflammatory benefits. 

What are the benefits of Turmeric? 

Turmeric is known for adding a distinct yellow color to recipes it is used in. Aside from that, it is very nutritious. 

Its prinicipal use is to add color to other recipes, but it can also be used for teas, facial and skin creams, and as an anti-inflammatory and digestive remedy. 

Turmeric is a root ingredient, and helps reduce inflammation because it contains polyphenols which give it its yellow color. 

You can use turmeric in many different recipes to increase the nutritional value without changing the flavor much. Another recipe that you can find here that includes turmeric is our sweet potato fries recipe and our cauliflower rice recipe. 

How do you make Quinoa with Turmeric? 

I already explained that quinoa and turmeric have a ton of health benefits, but it is important to add even more to get the most benefit possible. In this recipe, I added a healthy vegetable called a leek, which is very nutritious and full of potassium.

Leeks come from the same family as onions and garlic and is rich in vitamin c, calcium, potassium, phosphorous, fiber, and iodine. 

I also added carrots and celery to add flavor and additional nutrients. 

To make this hearty quinoa recipe, which is a great side dish or main dish, you will need the following ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil 
• 1/2 cup quinoa 
• 1 large carrot, diced
• 1/2 cup leeks, diced
• 1/2 cup celery, diced
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup cool water
• 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
• pinch of salt and pepper 
• 1 hard boiled egg (optional)
• avocado (optional)
• diced tomatoes (optional) 

Start by heating a bit of olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat and sautee the veggies together with the quinoa until the leeks are translucent. This should take about 5 minutes.

Next, add the chicken broth and water, and season with salt, pepper, and turmeric. Mix well. 

Finally, cover the saucepan and let boil for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the quinoa is cooked and the liquid has evaporated. Accompany with hard boiled egg, avocado, and diced tomatoes and enjoy. 

I love to eat this on its own, but you can also use it to accompany other great recipes like this smoky chipotle drumstick recipe. 

Next time  you are looking for a great and easy recipe at lunch time or for dinner, don’t forget to try this recipe, which is one of the easiest ways to incorporate important nutrients into your diet. It is also very filling. The health benefits of quinoa are indisputable and it is also very filling. 

Let me know in the comments below how this turns out for you!