Dinner

Quinoa Curd Rice Recipe

Name: Quinoa Curd Rice Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: South Indian
Ingredients: ½ cup Quinoa; 2 cups Water; ½ cup Cucumber (chopped finely); ½ cup Milk; 3 tbsp Curd / Yogurt; Salt to taste; 1 tsp Oil; 1 tsp Mustard Seeds / Kaduku; 1 tsp Urad Dal / Ulundu paruppu; ¼ tsp Asafoetida / Hing / Kaya Podi; 1 sprig Curry Leaves; 1 tbsp Ginger (grated); 1 Green Chilli (chopped finely)

ByMariam Harutyunyan November 16, 2025November 16, 2025

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Introduction

Quinoa Curd Rice is a refreshing and nutritious twist on the traditional South Indian comfort dish. Combining protein-packed quinoa with creamy curd and fresh cucumber, it makes a soothing meal perfect for warm days or anytime you crave something light and satisfying.

The image shows three white dishes arranged on a wooden board over a white marbled surface, each holding a different Indian dish. The closest dish is a white bowl with two handles, filled with a creamy textured raita that has visible black mustard seeds, green herbs, and small chunks, all floating in a smooth, white base. Behind it to the left, there is another white bowl containing yellow upma, a grainy cooked dish with small mustard seeds and curry leaves on top. Behind and to the right, there is a white plate holding pieces of orange-colored fried cauliflower, coated in a rough, spiced batter with some green curry leaves scattered over it. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

½ cup Quinoa
2 cups Water

½ cup Cucumber (chopped finely)
½ cup Milk

3 tbsp Curd / Yogurt
Salt to taste

1 tsp Oil
1 tsp Mustard Seeds / Kaduku
1 tsp Urad Dal / Ulundu paruppu

¼ tsp Asafoetida / Hing / Kaya Podi
1 sprig Curry Leaves
1 tbsp Ginger (grated)

1 Green Chilli (chopped finely)

Instructions

Step 1: Rinse the quinoa thoroughly and cook it in 2 cups of water until all the water is absorbed and the quinoa is soft, about 15 minutes. Set aside to cool slightly.
Step 2: In a large bowl, combine the cooked quinoa with chopped cucumber, curd, milk, and salt. Mix well to evenly blend all ingredients.

Step 3: Heat oil in a small pan over medium heat. Add mustard seeds and let them crackle. Then add urad dal, asafoetida, curry leaves, grated ginger, and chopped green chilli. Sauté briefly until fragrant and the dal turns golden brown.
Step 4: Pour the tempered seasoning over the quinoa mixture and stir well to combine all flavors.
Step 5: Serve immediately as a cooling and wholesome meal.

Tips & Variations

Use plain Greek yogurt for a thicker, creamier texture.
Add finely chopped fresh coriander or mint for extra freshness.
Adjust the green chilli quantity to control the spice level.

For a vegan version, substitute milk with coconut milk and use plant-based yogurt.

Storage

Store leftover quinoa curd rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. It is best enjoyed fresh but can be eaten cold or at room temperature. Avoid reheating as it may affect the texture of the curd.

How to Serve

A white bowl with two side handles is filled with a creamy, light greenish-white dish that shows tiny mustard seeds and small green leaves floating on the surface. Behind it, a smaller white bowl holds a yellow dish made of grain pieces, with a sprinkle of green leaves and mustard seeds. Next to them, a white plate contains an orange, crumbly fried food with some parts darker orange, likely due to spices, and small green leaves scattered throughout. All dishes sit on a wooden chopping board, and the background is a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use regular rice instead of quinoa?

Yes, regular cooked rice can be used as a substitute, but quinoa adds more protein and a unique texture to the dish.

What can I use if I don’t have asafoetida?

If asafoetida is unavailable, you can skip it or add a pinch of garlic powder for a similar depth of flavor in the tempering.