Description
A flavorful and vibrant prawn, pea, and spinach coconut curry served with microwave-cooked quinoa and basmati rice. This quick and easy recipe combines aromatic spices, creamy coconut, and fresh greens for a wholesome, comforting meal perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
Scale
Rice and Quinoa
- 150g quinoa
- 150g basmati rice
- 300ml boiling water
Curry
- 1 small red onion, chopped
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- ½ tsp cumin seeds
- 1 tsp finely chopped ginger
- 1 tsp finely chopped garlic
- 3 tbsp tomato purée
- 300g coconut cream
- 300g frozen peas
- 300g king prawns
- 200g baby spinach leaves
- ½ tsp ground turmeric
- Salt, to taste
- 1 lime, to serve (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the Quinoa and Rice: Rinse and drain the quinoa and basmati rice three times in a sieve to remove excess starch. Place them in a very large microwave-safe bowl to avoid spillage. Pour in 300ml boiling water, cover with a heavy plate, and microwave on high for 15 minutes. Let it rest, still covered, for 5 minutes before fluffing with a fork.
- Sauté the Aromatics: While the rice and quinoa cook, heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the chopped red onion and fry until it begins to brown, stirring occasionally.
- Add Spices and Garlic: Stir in cumin seeds, finely chopped ginger, and garlic. Cook for about one minute until fragrant, making sure not to burn the garlic.
- Incorporate Tomato Purée: Add the tomato purée to the pan and cook for another minute, stirring continuously to combine the flavors.
- Simmer the Curry: Pour in the coconut cream and add the frozen peas, king prawns, baby spinach, ground turmeric, and salt to taste. Cover the pan and cook for about 5 minutes, or until the prawns turn opaque and pink, and the spinach has wilted. Add a little water if the curry is too thick, adjusting the consistency to your preference.
- Serve: Spoon the curry over the fluffy quinoa and rice mixture. Garnish with a squeeze of fresh lime juice if desired, and serve immediately.
Notes
- Rinsing quinoa and rice thoroughly removes excess starch for fluffier grains.
- Adjust the thickness of the curry by adding water as needed during cooking.
- You can substitute king prawns with other shellfish or firm fish as desired.
- For a spicier curry, add chopped chili or red pepper flakes when sautéing the aromatics.
- The microwave method for cooking quinoa and rice saves time and keeps the grains fluffy without simmering on the stovetop.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Microwaving and Stovetop
- Cuisine: Indian-inspired
Keywords: prawn curry, coconut curry, quinoa rice, quick dinner, healthy curry, seafood curry, spinach curry, microwave rice
