Quinoa and Chicken Curry with Yogurt Sauce

This Quinoa and Chicken Curry with Yogurt Sauce is a delightful fusion dish that combines the richness of curry, the wholesome goodness of quinoa, and the creamy tang of yogurt. It’s a nutritious, flavorful meal that is perfect for a hearty lunch or dinner, offering a unique twist on traditional curry dishes.

Ingredients:
– 1 cup quinoa
– 2 cups chicken broth
– 1 lb chicken breast, diced
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 1 onion, finely chopped
– 2 garlic cloves, minced
– 1 tbsp ginger, minced
– 2 tbsp curry powder
– 1 tsp ground cumin
– 1 tsp ground coriander
– 1 tsp turmeric
– 1 can (14 oz) coconut milk
– 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
– 1 cup peas (fresh or frozen)
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions:
1. Cook the Quinoa:
– Rinse the quinoa thoroughly under cold water.
– In a medium saucepan, bring the chicken broth to a boil.
– Add the quinoa, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 15 minutes, or until the quinoa is tender and the liquid is absorbed.
– Fluff the quinoa with a fork and set aside.

2. Prepare the Chicken Curry:
– In a large skillet or pot, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat.
– Add the diced chicken and cook until browned on all sides. Remove the chicken and set aside.
– In the same skillet, add the chopped onion, garlic, and ginger. Sauté until the onions are translucent.

3. Add Spices:
– Stir in the curry powder, cumin, coriander, and turmeric. Cook for about 1-2 minutes to toast the spices and enhance their flavors.

4. Combine Ingredients:
– Pour in the coconut milk and bring to a simmer.
– Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and add the peas. Simmer for another 10 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce has thickened slightly.

5. Prepare the Yogurt Sauce:
– In a small bowl, mix the plain Greek yogurt with a pinch of salt and pepper. You can add a bit of lemon juice for extra tang, if desired.

6. Serve the Dish:
– To serve, place a generous scoop of quinoa on each plate.
– Top with the chicken curry, ensuring a good amount of sauce covers the quinoa.
– Drizzle the yogurt sauce over the top.
– Garnish with chopped fresh cilantro.

This dish is best enjoyed warm and offers a delightful blend of textures and flavors.