Quinoa Lime Biryani

Elevate your weeknight dinner game with this vibrant and nutrient-packed Quinoa Lime Biryani! This modern twist on traditional biryani swaps rice for fluffy quinoa, making it a protein-rich and gluten-free alternative. Infused with aromatic Indian spices like garam masala, cardamom, and cinnamon, this dish bursts with bold flavors. A refreshing squeeze of lime juice and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro and mint add a bright, zesty finish. Loaded with colorful veggies like carrots, green beans, and peas, this recipe is as wholesome as it is delicious. Perfect for a quick, one-pot meal that’s ready in just 45 minutes, this Quinoa Lime Biryani is a healthy, flavorful choice for anyone looking for a light yet satisfying meal.

Nutriscore Rating: 75/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:30 mins

Total Time:45 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 1 cup Quinoa
• 2 cups Water
• 2 tablespoons Olive oil
• 1 medium Onion, thinly sliced
• 3 cloves Garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon Ginger, minced
• 1 small Green chili, finely chopped
• 1.5 cups Vegetables (carrots, green beans, and peas), diced
• 0.25 cup Plain yogurt
• 2 tablespoons Lime juice
• 3 tablespoons Cilantro, chopped
• 2 tablespoons Mint leaves, chopped
• 1 teaspoon Cumin seeds
• 0.5 teaspoon Turmeric powder
• 0.5 teaspoon Garam masala
• 1 teaspoon Ground coriander
• 0.5 teaspoon Salt
• 1 whole Bay leaf
• 1 inch Cinnamon stick
• 3 whole Cloves
• 3 whole Cardamom pods, lightly crushed

Directions

Step 1

Rinse the quinoa thoroughly under cold water to remove any bitterness.

Step 2

In a medium saucepan, add the quinoa and water. Bring to a boil, reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes or until the quinoa is cooked and water is absorbed. Fluff it with a fork and set aside.

Step 3

Heat olive oil in a large skillet or deep pan over medium heat. Add cumin seeds, bay leaf, cinnamon stick, cloves, and cardamom pods. Stir and let the spices bloom for 1 minute until fragrant.

Step 4

Add sliced onions and sauté until golden brown, about 5-7 minutes.

Step 5

Stir in the minced garlic, ginger, and green chili, and cook for 1-2 minutes until aromatic.

Step 6

Add the diced vegetables (carrots, green beans, and peas) and cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened.

Step 7

Sprinkle turmeric powder, ground coriander, garam masala, and salt over the vegetables. Mix well to coat everything in the spices.

Step 8

Lower the heat and stir in the plain yogurt, ensuring it blends smoothly without curdling.

Step 9

Add the cooked quinoa to the pan and toss with the vegetable and spice mixture, combining evenly.

Step 10

Turn off the heat and stir in lime juice, chopped cilantro, and mint leaves for a fresh, zesty finish.

Step 11

Serve warm and garnish with extra cilantro or mint if desired. Enjoy your flavorful Quinoa Lime Biryani!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	1215.3 grams (1215.3g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1125

Total Fat 43.80g	56%
Saturated Fat 5.50g	28%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.70g
Cholesterol 4mg	1%
Sodium 2595mg	113%
Total Carbohydrate 149.90g	55%
Dietary Fiber 18.30g	65%
Total Sugars 22.40g
Protein 38.60g	77%

Vitamin D 29IU	147%
Calcium 408mg	31%
Iron 15mg	81%
Potassium 1339mg	28%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 34.3%

Protein: 13.4%

Carbs: 52.2%