Chicken Coconut Curry Quinoa



Our first quinoa recipe! I’ve been wanting to cook something with quinoa forever. I slightly modified the original recipe I found on google, which you can find here. I called Trader Joe’s to ask if they had “kee-noo-ah” (since it was nearly $6 for a tiny box at Harris Teeter!) and then later found out it’s pronounced “keen-wa”. Oops. Anyways, the cheery lady that checked me out told me that it’s even better for you than brown rice. We have lots left over so I’m hoping to make some more delicious recipes. Let me know if you have any great ones we should try!

Some facts about quinoa: (from AltiPlano Gold)
  • Naturally high in calcium, iron, and phosphorous
  • A vegetarian source of complete protein, containing all eight essential amino acids
  • Gluten-free
  • Mild and nutty in taste
  • Has been cultivated for thousands of years in the high Andes of Peru, Ecuador, and Bolivia
  • Is a staple in many South American homes

Ingredients

  • 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 3/4 teaspoon salt, divided
  • 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breast halves, cut into 1-inch strips
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
  • 1 large green bell pepper, seeded and chopped
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 1 cup uncooked quinoa
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 1 cup low-fat coconut milk
  • 1 teaspoon curry powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
  • Red chili pepper, to garnish

Directions

  1. Combine turmeric, thyme and 1/4 teaspoon salt in shallow dish. Dip chicken strips into spice mixture, coating all sides; set aside.
  2. Heat 1 tablespoon oil in heavy, large skillet over medium-high heat. Add bell pepper and onion. Cook and stir 2 minutes or until vegetables are crisp-tender. Remove from skillet with slotted spoon; set aside.
  3. Add remaining tablespoon oil to skillet. Add chicken pieces. Cook and stir 5 minutes or until lightly browned and no longer pink. Remove from skillet; set aside with veggies.
  4. Rinse quinoa in small strainer under cold running water; drain well.
  5. Combine quinoa, chicken broth, coconut milk, curry, remaining 1/2 teaspoon salt and ginger in heavy, large saucepan. Bring to a boil over high heat. Reduce heat to low; simmer, covered, 10 minutes.
  6. Stir chicken and veggie mixture into saucepan; cook 5 minutes or until liquid is nearly all absorbed. Garnish with red chili pepper.

17 comments:

lisaiscooking said...

This sounds healthy and delicious. I love the texture of quinoa.

Sharon said...

I'm obsessed with quinoa! I'm always looking for new recipes so this is great.

Heather said...

mmmm. i love curries! this sounds delish!

Hannah said...

that looks delicious! i will have to try it!

Unknown said...

I have never heard of it before. The way you made it, it sounds delicious!

Kerstin said...

I love curry and yours looks so flavorful! I just got some quinoa from TJs too, and will be cooking it for the first time soon :)

grace said...

i've been seeing quinoa everywhere today, and for good reason--it's a stellar food! lovely dish, chef. :)

Christo Gonzales said...

quinoa, to me, is like couscous's tough cousin...this looks like a great combo

Culinary Wannabe said...

Love the plate!! I'm so so on quinoa, but it's so healthy I throw it in the cart every once in a while. Your dish looks delicious though!

Olga said...

Yet another pretty dish! Funny about mispronouncing quinoa: happens to the best of us :)

By the way, please try Greek yogurt: it's so good. You can even make it by buying regular yogurt and letting it sit in a fine sieve in the fridge overnight: it will become thicker and creamier.

Hornsfan said...

This looks terrific - I'm intrigued by Quinoa, but will absolutely have to give it a try!

Juliana said...

Thank you so much for visiting my site...I love quinoa and always look for different recipe. The one that you feature look just fabulous.

Sara said...

I love quinoa, especially because it's so healthy. This looks like a really great way to eat it!

Chef E said...

You know quinoa is my favorite, and wow with the coconut curry, great recipe, and your photos are always great!

test it comm said...

This sounds like a really nice way to enjoy some quinoa!

Unknown said...

I made this the other night, it was absolutely delicious!! Definitely recommend this recipe:) My family loved it!

beet-red said...

This was the first time I had quinoa. I like!

I will be posting a link back to you if that's ok. Thanks for sharing!

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