Flavorful Indian Lime & Peanut Quinoa [Vegan] – One Green Planet

Golden quinoa, prized for its nutty flavor and delicate texture, serves as the perfect vehicle to recreate this classic dish. Its ability to hold seasoning well makes it ideal.

Ingredients

• Golden Quinoa:
• 3/4 cup golden quinoa
• Base & Seasonings:
• 1 ½ teaspoons salt (or to taste)
• Peanuts:
• 1/2 cup raw blanched peanuts
• Frying Medium:
• 3 tablespoons oil (preferably neutral)
• Savory Elements:
• 1 teaspoon black mustard seeds
• 1/2 teaspoon cumin seeds
• 3-5 dried red chilies (adjust to your spice preference)
• 10-15 curry leaves
• 1/8 teaspoon asafetida, onion powder, or garlic powder (substitute if needed)
• Aromatics & Body:
• 1 small peeled and diced onion
• 2 limes
• 1/2 teaspoon turmeric (golden yellow spice)
• Optional Touches:
• 1 small diced tomato for a splash of color and mild tang
• Sweet Accent:
• 2 medium-sized carrots, grated
• Fresh Finishes:
• 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro (coriander leaves)

How to Prepare Indian Lime and Peanut Quinoa [Vegan]

1. Rinse the quinoa thoroughly under cold water until the water runs clear. This removes any natural bitterness.
Place the rinsed golden quinoa and water in a saucepan, bring to a simmer, reduce heat slightly, cover, and cook for about 20 minutes or until tender but still intact (golden quinoa absorbs less liquid than white).
2. While the quinoa cooks, lightly toast the peanuts.
Place the raw blanched peanuts on a dry skillet over medium heat. Stir continuously until they turn golden brown and become fragrant (about 5 minutes). Remove from heat to cool slightly before use.
3. Create aroma in the oil.
Heat 3 tablespoons of oil in a pan or skillet over medium heat for about 1 minute. Add mustard seeds and cumin seeds; stir until they begin to splutter (crackle), indicating the oil is hot enough, typically within 30 seconds.
Immediately add the curry leaves and dried red chilies. Stir quickly for about 15-20 seconds until fragrant and the spices have lightly browned.
4. Sauté onion to translucency.
Add the diced onion and cook uncovered, stirring occasionally (or letting it gently fry if you prefer), for about 3 minutes or until softening and becoming translucent. Avoid browning too much.
5. Add flavor boosters and mix in quinoa.
Stirring constantly, add the turmeric powder to the onion mixture. As soon as it sizzles, throw in the cooked quinoa from step 1 (reserving about 3 tablespoons of liquid if needed). Combine well and let it cook for a minute.
If using, add diced tomatoes now and stir briefly to coat with spices. Optional step: Add asafetida or onion/garlic powder at this point for added depth.
6. Create the signature lime-peanut dressing.
Gently fold in the cooled blanched peanuts (from step 2). Squeeze juice from two limes into the mixture and stir thoroughly until combined. Season with salt to taste if not already added during quinoa cooking.
7. Finish with sweetness and freshness.
Stir in the grated carrots (about half a carrot’s worth is typical, adjust as desired). This adds natural sweetness and vibrant color.
Garnish generously with chopped cilantro before serving hot. Serve immediately for best flavor and texture.