Cilantro Lime Quinoa

Chipotle’s Cilantro Lime Rice in my burrito bowl was my all-time favorite and I have been missing eating out this summer.  So I have been preparing my own version using quinoa instead. It is vegan, gluten-free and I have been using cilantro-lime quinoa as a side dish or filling for  Kidney Bean Curry, Chickpea Curry, or Black Bean Burritos.

Cilantro Lime Quinoa

Don’t get me wrong, I love rice but sometimes I need to take care of my waistline and eat less of it. Let us look at Quinoa VS Rice and see which one has more health advantages. Quinoa:

1. Cooks faster than brown rice
2. Has more protein than brown rice.
3. Has more micronutrients than brown rice. Quinoa contains calcium, iron, phosphorus, potassium, zinc, magnesium, manganese, and selenium.
4. Is a complete protein, it contains all 9 essential amino acids
5. Has fewer carbohydrates than brown rice. Quinoa has 39 grams of carbohydrates and brown rice has 45 grams per cup. 

Quinoa is definitely more nutritious than brown rice. 

Cilantro Lime Quinoa Ingredients

• Quinoa
• Vegetable Broth
• Lime Juice
• Lime Zest
• Cilantro
• Salt

Chef Tips:

Wash quinoa using a fine mesh colander unless the package says it has been prewashed.

The outer layer of the quinoa seeds has a protective coating called saponin. Saponin helps to protect the plant from animals, insects that want to eat it. Saponin gives the seed a bitter taste. Some people are sensitive to this coating and may develop an adverse reaction if not washed.

How To Prepare Cilantro Lime Quinoa?

1. Rinse dry quinoa using a finely meshed strainer. Place in a medium-sized pot with the vegetable broth. Bring to boil, then simmer on low heat for 15-20 minutes, or until quinoa is tender and fluffy.
2. Stir in lime juice, zest season with salt to taste and serve.

How To Store Quinoa And Reheat?

1. Cool quinoa completely then store it in a container with a tight-fitting lid or resealable bag for 3-5 days in the refrigerator or freeze for 1 month.
2. To reheat quinoa, add 2 tablespoons of water to quinoa in the pot and cook stirring so it doesn’t burn. 

Other Quinoa Recipes To Try

1. Quinoa Tabouli
2. Mexican Style Quinoa Casserole
3. Quinoa Broccoli Recipe
4. Black Bean Quinoa Burger
5. Italian Quinoa Fried Rice

If you make this recipe, snap a photo and hashtag #healthiersteps  — we love to see your recipes on Instagram, Facebook & Twitter!

Also please leave a star rating ;-)

Need some encouragement on your Healthier Steps journey?

Join our Facebook groups, sharing lots of delicious vegan and gluten-free recipes, health tips, etc., from our members. Please join us and invite your friends Gluten-Free and Vegan For Beginners and Vegan Recipes With Love.