Slow-Cooker Turmeric Vegetable Quinoa

With deliciously hearty flavors, this Slow-Cooker Turmeric Vegetable Quinoa is easy to make and loaded with fresh veggies!

Growing up, I have to admit that I was never really the chef of the family. Sure, I’d help out with meal prep, shopping, and after-dinner cleanup. But when it came to more extravagant dishes, I would always let my mom and sister take the reins. My sole contribution to Thanksgiving dinner each year was—I am almost embarrassed to admit—cranberry sauce. So when I finally moved into my first real apartment after college, my mom’s present to me was a mini slow cooker.

That slow cooker saved my life on many an occasion, especially in my early years of living alone. This slow-cooker turmeric vegetable quinoa recipe takes me back to those days of learning to cook on my own. This warm and inviting dish is rich with vegetables like carrots, bell peppers, snow peas, and broccoli.

With its quinoa base and turmeric flavor, the flavors of this hearty dish meld together beautifully in the slow cooker. But the real beauty of this slow-cooker quinoa is just how easy it is to prepare—making this dish a welcome addition to any busy schedule.

Is This Slow-Cooker Turmeric Vegetable Quinoa Healthy?

The natural ingredients in this recipe contribute plenty of nutrients to this delicious dish. Quinoa is a plant-based protein source, making it an excellent choice for vegetarian or vegan diets. It also contains nutrients like iron, potassium, and magnesium. The red bell pepper and spinach are both good sources of vitamin C, and the carrot offers a hearty dose of vitamin A. Turmeric is a powerful antioxidant and contains nutrients like manganese and iron. To increase the protein content of this dish, consider adding a plant-based protein source like tofu or chickpeas.

What’s The Deal With Quinoa?

If you’re anything like me, you may be curious about the rising popularity of quinoa. While it is cooked and consumed like a whole grain, did you know that quinoa is actually a seed? That’s right—and it comes from a plant known as Chenopodium quinoa. This plant has been cultivated in South America for over 5,000 years and was considered a sacred food among the Incan and Aztec people. In the early 2000s, the popularity of quinoa spread more broadly with the rising focus on natural, whole-food diets. The United Nations declared 2013 the International Year of Quinoa in a nod to its increasing visibility. Today, quinoa has become a worldwide staple for plant-based, whole-food diets. This versatile ingredient makes a healthy addition to a range of dishes, from salads and soups to baked goods.

Serving Suggestions

One of the things I love most about quinoa is what a versatile ingredient it is! This turmeric vegetable quinoa is no exception and will pair well with a wide range of accompanying dishes. To add even more flavorful veggies to your meal, try serving your quinoa with this Spring Salad or this Strawberry-Walnut Salad. For a warm veggie side, also consider Garlic Sautéed Spinach or Sautéed Kale. This Yogurt Flatbread or this Naan recipe would also make excellent sides to accompany your slow-cooker quinoa dish.

Recipe