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5-Ingredient Lemon Turmeric Quinoa Recipe

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4.3 from 15 reviews

This vibrant and healthy 5-ingredient Lemon Turmeric Quinoa recipe is a quick and flavorful side dish perfect for any meal. Combining zesty lemon, earthy turmeric, and fluffy quinoa, it delivers a nutritious boost with minimal effort. Enjoy it as a light accompaniment or a base for your favorite add-ins like chopped green onions, Thai basil, or cashews.

Ingredients

Base Ingredients

  • 1 cup uncooked quinoa (yields about 3 cups cooked)
  • 1 teaspoon coconut oil
  • Juice of 1/2 a lemon (about 1 tablespoon)
  • Zest of 1/2 a lemon (about 1 teaspoon)
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons turmeric powder
  • 1/4 - 1/2 teaspoon salt, to taste

Optional Add-ins

  • Chopped green onions
  • Thai basil
  • Ground black pepper
  • Cashews

Instructions

  1. Cook Quinoa: Rinse the quinoa under cold water to remove any bitterness. In a pot, combine 1 cup quinoa with 2 cups water, bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 10-15 minutes until quinoa is light, fluffy, and water is absorbed.
  2. Cool Quinoa: Allow the cooked quinoa to cool until it is warm to the touch. This ensures the coconut oil and other ingredients mix evenly without wilting fresh add-ins.
  3. Mix Ingredients: Stir in the coconut oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, turmeric powder, and salt. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed to match your preference.
  4. Add Optional Ingredients: If using, gently fold in chopped green onions, Thai basil, ground black pepper, or cashews to enhance texture and flavor.
  5. Serve: Enjoy immediately as a side dish or as a base for your favorite main courses.

Notes

  • You can use vegetable broth instead of water to cook quinoa for added depth of flavor.
  • Adjust turmeric quantity based on your taste preference; it has a strong, earthy flavor.
  • This dish is great served warm or at room temperature, making it an excellent option for meal prep.
  • Add-ins like toasted nuts or fresh herbs can be tailored to seasonal availability.