Lemony Quinoa with Turmeric is a simple quinoa recipe tossed with almonds and golden raisins and lightly seasoned with curry and cumin. This lemon quinoa is one of my favorite healthy quinoa recipes to serve with grilled fish or chicken.

skillet of lemony quinoa with turmeric

Lemon Quinoa is another favorite quinoa side dish that I like to make.  It’s quick and easy and I love the combination of ingredients and flavors in this dish!

skillet of lemon quinoa

One of the ingredients in this simple quinoa recipe is turmeric, which gives it a brownish yellow color.  Turmeric is in the ginger family and it’s a great anti-inflammatory.  Needless to say, when I make this Lemony Quinoa for myself, I tend to use a very generous amount of turmeric.   It’s one of my favorite recipes using turmeric!

Lemon Quinoa Recipe

  • Extra virgin olive oil
  • Turmeric powder
  • Curry powder
  • Cumin powder
  • Quinoa
  • Water (or vegetable broth)
  • Toasted almonds
  • Cilantro (or parsley)
  • Organic raisins
  • Lemon juice 

How to Make Lemony Quinoa with Turmeric

This Lemon Quinoa with turmeric comes together in about 30 minutes start-to-finish.

  1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees
  2. Place the almonds on a cookie sheet lined with a silpat or parchment paper and roast in the oven for 3 – 5 minutes or until lightly roasted.  Remove from oven and set aside.
  3. Heat the olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium low heat.
  4. Add the turmeric, curry, cumin and stir for just 1 – 2 minutes until aromatic.
  5. Add the quinoa and cook over medium-low heat until you hear the light sounds of popping (like popcorn).  Continue to stir, careful not to burn.
  6. Pour in the water or broth and stir.  Place a lid on the pan and turn the heat to low.  Simmer for about 20 minutes or until the liquid has dissolved and the quinoa is cooked.
  7. Turn off the heat and let the quinoa set in the pan for 5 minutes, then fluff with a fork.
  8. Place the quinoa in a large bowl.  Add the toasted almonds, cilantro and raisins and toss.  Pour in the lemon juice and toss.  Add more lemon juice if desired.

skillet of lemon quinoa

Quinoa is one of the most protein rich foods we can eat and it’s also a rich source of iron and fiber.   Cooked quinoa is great as a side dish, or add it to soups, salads and more.  If you’re looking to incorporate more quinoa into your daily wellness plan, you can click here to learn How to Make Quinoa.  In this link,  I also provide you with a list of 21 of my favorite quinoa recipes.

Turmeric Recipes

Quinoa Side Dish Recipes

skillet with lemon quinoa
Yield: 4 servings

Lemony Quinoa with Turmeric

Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes

This Lemony Quinoa has a fresh delicious combo of flavors. It's lightly spiced with curry, turmeric and cumin, and it makes a great healthy side dish to grilled fish or chicken.

 

 

Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon dried turmeric powder
  • 1 teaspoon dried curry powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried cumin powder
  • 1 cup quinoa, rinsed and drained
  • 2 cups water (or chicken broth)
  • 3/4 cups chopped toasted almonds
  • 3/4 cups fresh cilantro (or parsley)
  • 1/2 cup organic raisins
  • juice of 1/2 lemon (use more if you prefer)

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees
  2. Place the almonds on a cookie sheet lined with a silpat or parchment paper and roast in the oven for 3 - 5 minutes or until lightly roasted. Remove from oven and set aside.
  3. Heat the olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium low heat.
  4. Add the turmeric, curry, cumin and stir for just 1 - 2 minutes until aromatic.
  5. Add the quinoa and cook over medium-low heat until you hear the light sounds of popping (like popcorn). Continue to stir, careful not to burn.
  6. Pour in the water or broth and stir. Place a lid on the pan and turn the heat to low. Simmer for about 20 minutes or until the liquid has dissolved and the quinoa is cooked.
  7. Turn off the heat and let the quinoa set in the pan for 5 minutes, then fluff with a fork.
  8. Place the quinoa in a large bowl. Add the toasted almonds, cilantro and raisins and toss. Pour in the lemon juice and toss. Add more lemon juice if desired.