Vegan curry superfood bowl of zesty black bean quinoa served with a simple but full of flavor creamy curry. The curry is so easy to make, which makes it perfect for a busy mid-week dinner. It’s frugal, nutritious, and tasty.
When I was at Uni, this was always my go-to dinner as making it is really not time-consuming, and does not require expert skills. It’s also frugal, and as a student, I didn’t have much money but still wanted to eat healthy good that tasted good. So I always made dinners like this curried bowl, that not only filled me up but also made me feel good and healthy.
Vegan Quinoa Recipes
Now let’s talk about quinoa.
First of all, I buy quinoa in bulk to save money and use less packaging. And also to make sure that I always have quinoa on hand.
How to cook quinoa? The quinoa to water ratio is 1:2. So for this recipe use 1/2 cup of quinoa and 1 cup of salted water. I rinse the quinoa first as I found that it helps get rid off any bitter taste (you can skip this step), and then put it in a pot along with the salted water.
Bring to a boil, and then reduce to simmer for 10-15 minutes. Leave the pot uncovered.
The quinoa will absorb the water, and the rest will evaporate. I simmer on the lowest heat possible and watch it so it doesn’t burn at the end when I think that the quinoa is almost cooked. Once it’s cooked, remove from heat immediately, and fluff with a fork.
To jazz things up, I add half a cup of black beans to the quinoa (if using canned beans, then quickly rinse the beans under running water). You could use any kind of beans that you like, kidney beans work great!
Then squeeze a lime (or half a lemon if lime is not available), and mix in some chopped coriander. And that’s it, the black bean quinoa is now ready!
Vegan Coconut curry
This vegan coconut curry is loaded with loads of veggies that you probably already have in your kitchen. Making this curry is so easy that you’ll find yourself making this over and over again.
Heat a little bit of olive oil in a wok or a large deep pan. Saute a diced onion and a diced carrot. If you like spicy food, then add a pierced chilli or 2. Add the bell peppers and cook everything together until they start to soften. If the diced onion starts to burn, just add a splash of water and continue.
Add the diced potato, frozen peas, mild or medium curry powder, and ground turmeric (if using). And finally a can of full-fat coconut milk. Reduce heat, and simmer until the sauce thickens and potatoes become soft (should take around 10 minutes). Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
Serve the black bean quinoa in bowls along with the vegetable curry, squeeze some more lime on the curry before eating and enjoy!
And that’s it, a healthy and filling dinner made in just 25 minutes!
Did you make this? Be sure to leave a review below and tag me on Facebook, Instagram, or Pinterest!
Curry Quinoa Bowl
Ingredients
Zesty black bean quinoa:
- ½ cup quinoa uncooked
- 1 cup water
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup black beans cooked and rinsed under water
- 1 small lime juiced
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Vegan coconut curry:
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil to saute
- ½ yellow onion diced
- 2 small carrots diced
- 2 green chilis pierced (omit if you don't like spicy food)
- ½ cup mixed bell peppers red, green, yellow
- 1 potato diced
- ⅓ cup peas frozen or fresh
- ¾ (300 ml) can coconut milk
- 2 teaspoons lemongrass paste optional
- 1 teaspoon curry powder
- salt and pepper
Instructions
To make zesty black bean quinoa:
- Rinse the quinoa first as it helps you get rid off any bitter taste (you can skip this step), and then put it in a pot along with the salted water.
- Bring to a boil, and then reduce to simmer for 10-15 minutes. Leave the pot uncovered. When the quinoa absorbs all of the water, remove from heat immediately and fluff with a fork.
- Add the cooked black beans to the quinoa and squeeze a lime (or half a lemon if lime is not available), and mix in some chopped coriander.
To make the coconut curry:
- In a frying pan or medium wok, heat a little bit of oil over medium heat.
- Add the diced onions, carrots and bell peppers. stir frequently until onions are soft.
- Add diced potato, peas, coconut milk, and curry powder (if using lemongrass paste, then add it now). Stir quickly and cover with a lid. Let it simmer for 10 minutes or until liquids reduce and potatoes are soft.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste, and serve immediately with the zesty bean quinoa in one bowl.
Notes:
This website provides approximate nutrition information for convenience and as a courtesy only. Nutrition data is gathered primarily from the USDA Food Composition Database, whenever available, or otherwise other online calculators.
© Little Sunny Kitchen
This recipe first appeared on Little Sunny Kitchen in January 2017, and was updated with new images and more info in June 2019. The recipe remained the same.
Christine says
What a beautiful delicious bowl this is. I also consume many vegan meals every week. It’s a great way to get the fruits and veggies in!
Diana says
Thank you Christine! It’s great to do meat free days or vegan days at least a couple of days a week.
Just Jo says
I’m with you on eating vegan or veggie without committing to it full time. I do that too. I didn’t know Iceland did ready cooked quinoa in the freezer section! I haven’t been in years, but now I am thinking I’ll have to go see what else they stock. Lovely recipe I would really enjoy eating.
Diana says
I don’t think that I can commit to eating vegan or vegetarian full time, but I like to be vegan a few days a week! You should check out the zesty bean quinoa as it’s sooo good!
Julia @ HappyFoods Tube says
Your superfood bowl must taste amazing! I love quinoa and healthy bowl dishes! Thanks for the inspiration!
Diana says
I love adding quinoa to these healthy bowls, but this zesty bean quinoa from Iceland is just amazing!
Jane says
Dee, that looks gorgeous! I think I have all of the ingredients in my freezer too – if so I shall be whipping it up this coming week for a quick evening meal. Thank you 🙂
Jane x
Diana says
Give it a try Jane, you’re gonna love it! x
Tracy says
I love how colorful and healthy this is! And easy? Even better!