Turmeric Quinoa with Pomegranates and Walnuts (2024)

5 from 3 votes

Posted December 9, 2015 (last updated February 7, 2024) by Wendy Polisi

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Say hello to our Golden Turmeric Quinoa, a dish that's as nutritious as it is delicious. The quinoa, full of goodness, is gently simmered with turmeric, creating a vibrant and golden side dish that's hard to resist. Each spoonful promises an explosion of warm, earthy flavors, making your taste buds swoon with delight.

Turmeric Quinoa with Pomegranates and Walnuts (1)

Whether you're juggling holiday preparations or simply seeking to please both vegans and carnivores at your dinner table, we've got just the dish for you.

Our Turmeric Quinoa with Pomegranate and Walnuts is not just an eye-catcher, but also a palate-pleaser.

This recipe has been a game-changer for me. With less than 10 minutes of hands-on time needed, its an easy and wholesome dish I find myself turning to again and again.

Simplicity doesn’t have to mean compromise on quality or taste. This dish is allergy-friendly, and yes, it's just as appealing to plant-based eaters as it is to meat-lovers.

The vibrant hues of turmeric-quinoa paired with the ruby red pomegranate seeds and the crunchy walnuts make it an alluring addition to any dining table.

Ingredients

Extra Virgin Olive Oil: This oil adds a rich and smooth flavor to our dish. If you're out of olive oil, you can substitute it with canola or sunflower oil.
Onion: You can use any type of onion you have on hand or even shallots if you prefer a milder flavor.
Minced Garlic: A little garlic goes a long way in infusing flavor. If fresh garlic isn't available, garlic powder would work too.
Quinoa: Quinoa is protein-packed and gluten-free. If quinoa isn't your thing, try substituting it with couscous or rice.
Turmeric: This golden spice is a treasure trove of health benefits. If turmeric isn't readily available, curry powder could be a good alternative.
Vegetable Broth: This gives our dish a savory depth. Chicken or beef broth can also be used, or even water in a pinch.
Pomegranate Seeds: These jewel-like seeds add a pop of sweet-tart flavor and a delightful crunch. Dried cranberries or raisins can be used as a substitution.
Walnuts: Toasted and chopped, these add a lovely texture. Almonds, pecans, or even sunflower seeds can be used instead.
Scallions: These green beauties add a fresh, mild onion flavor. Chives or leeks can be a good substitute.

Tips and Tricks

Rinse Your Quinoa: Don't skip this step! Rinsing quinoa in cold water can help remove its natural coating, called saponin, which can make it taste bitter or soapy.
Toast Your Quinoa: For an extra layer of nutty flavor, try toasting your quinoa in a dry pan for a few minutes before cooking. Just keep stirring it to avoid burning.
Let it Rest: After cooking, let your quinoa rest with the lid on the pot for a few minutes. This allows any remaining water to be absorbed, resulting in fluffier quinoa.
Add Some Veggies: Turmeric Quinoa can be a meal in itself if you add some veggies. Try mixing in some roasted eggplant or butternut squash for added nutrition and flavor.
Top with Nuts: Pine nuts and pistachios are nice additions.

Step by Step

Heat your oil in a medium saucepan, then toss in the onion, garlic, and quinoa. Stir often for about 4 minutes, then add turmeric and vegetable broth.
Bring to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the saucepan and cook for 20–25 minutes, until the liquid is absorbed.
Remove the saucepan from the heat and allow it to sit covered for 5–10 minutes.
Toss with walnuts and scallions, then serve warm or at room temperature.

Turmeric Quinoa with Pomegranates and Walnuts (2)

If You Like This Turmeric Quinoa You May Also Like:

How to Cook Quinoa
Instant Pot Quinoa
Turmeric Chicken

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5 from 3 votes