This vibrant and nutritious Lemon Dill Quinoa with Lima Beans combines the nutty flavors of quinoa with the bright citrus notes of lemon and the fresh herby taste of dill. The addition of lima beans adds a creamy texture and an extra boost of protein.
The fresh and zesty flavors of this lemon dill quinoa recipe is absolutely divine.
This quinoa dish is perfect for packing school lunches. Often times salad gets boring and so I came up with hot lunch recipe that has balanced nutritious and is a one pot meal.
However, my favorite lunch is always lentil sandwich because of its scrumptious flavors.
Sometimes, I love to indulge in a protein salad so I make my favorite tofu salad.
My daughters love spinach brown rice for their lunches.
Also, my tofu sandwich which is quite popular and is a delicious lunch recipe.
However, since I discovered this dill quinoa pilaf with lima beans, we have been enjoying it frequently. Its great for meal-preps as well.
Health benefits of quinoa
It is a great combination of protein and fiber which helps keep you full for longer. Its a complex carbohydrate which means its a whole grains. This helps in promoting heart health. Quinoa is packed with many vitamins and minerals like zinc, folate and is a great source for antioxidants too.
Health benefits of lima beans
Lima Beans are very nutritious and packed with protein and fiber. Its a great source for iron, folate, zinc and potassium. They promote fat loss too.
Why you will love this
One pot meal
Vegan and gluten free
Healthy and tasty
High in protein and low in fats
Ingredients
Ingredients notes
Dill – its a herb mostly used in Mediterranean cuisine like tzatziki. I used dried dill but fresh dill also tastes good here.
Spices – I used simple and common pantry spices like cinnamon and cardamom, salt and few others.
Lima beans – I used it to add more protein and flavor to this dish. Frozen lima beans are very convenient to use. You may use canned as well in this dill quinoa recipe.
Quinoa – this is easily available and have gained lot of popularity recently. Make sure to rinse it thoroughly.
Lemon – I recommend using fresh lemon juice for the best flavors.
For the detailed measurement of ingredients, please scroll down to the recipe card at the bottom of this post.
How to make
Firstly, in a nonstick pan with high edges, I heated oil in it followed by cinnamon, cardamom and dill. Then, I sauteed it for 20 seconds until there was a nice strong aroma.
Secondly, I tossed in lime beans and folded them well with the herbs and spices.
Thereafter, I added turmeric, chili powder, freshly squeezed lemon juice. Then, I mixed it well.
Afterwards, I tossed in rinsed quinoa and mixed it for 30 seconds.
Next, I added water and salt to it and stirred it.
I let it cook at high flame until the bubbles were formed. Then, I lowered the flame to medium heat and cook covered until all the liquid was absorbed.
Lastly, I turned off the flame and removed the lid.
Then, I fluffed it and served it hot.
This Mediterranean flavored lemon dill quinoa tasted outstandingly delicious and satisfying.
Serving tips
This lemon dill quinoa can be served with a side onion salad and a some vegan yogurt. To make it wholesome meal you may serve tofu tikka masala with it. Or you may use this recipe as a filling in your gyros.
Expert tips
- Make sure to cook at medium flame after all the ingredients are well stirred and bubbles form.
- Defrosting of lima beans is not necessary but if you have time its always a great idea to defrost and then use.
Storing tips
This tastes best when served immediately but the leftovers can be refrigerated in a glass container with a lid for about 1 week. Warm it well in the microwave before serving.
Yes! Let lemon dill quinoa cool down to room temperature and toss in your favorite raw veggies. Adjust salt and lemon juice and enjoy.
I prefer making this dill quinoa on the stove top so that it fluffs well and is not sticky.
Yes! It has very little oil and packed with vitamins, minerals and antioxidants along with protein and fiber. This recipe has balanced macro and is a great nourishing meal.
More quinoa recipes
Quinoa Jambalaya
Chickpea Quinoa Salad
Jackfruit Quinoa Pilaf
No Bake Quinoa Brownies
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Lemon Dill Quinoa with Lima Beans
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1/4 tsp cinnamon powder
- 1/4 tsp cardamom powder
- 2 tbsp fresh/dried dill herbs
- 1 cup frozen baby Lima beans
- 1/2 tsp turmeric powder
- 1/2 tsp chili powder
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 cup rinsed quinoa
- 2 1/2 cups water
- Salt as per taste
Instructions
- Use a nonstick pan that has high edges. Heat oil in it and add cinnamon powder, cardamon powder and dill to the hot oil and sauté them for only 10 seconds.
- Toss in lima beans and mix well.
- Bring the flame to medium heat and add turmeric powder, chili powder and lemon juice to it. Mix again.
- Fold in rinsed quinoa and sauté for 1 minute until quinoa is slightly toasty.
- Pour in water and stir in salt. Let it cook at high flame for 2-3 minutes until bubbles form.
- Cover it with a lid and bring the flame to medium heat again. Let it cook covered until all the liquid is absorbed. (About 15-20 minutes).
- When done, remove the lid. Turn off the flame and fluff it with the spatula. Adjust salt and lemon juice as per taste and serve hot.
Video
Notes
- You may use frozen lima beans directly for this recipe or if you have time, you may defrost them first and then use.
- Do not overcook quinoa but make sure that all the liquid is absorbed.
- This tastes best when served immediately but the leftovers can be refrigerated in a glass container with a lid for about 1 week. Warm it well in the microwave before serving.
Luci Petlack says
I love quinoa and this recipe was so flavorful and hearty!
Gunjan says
Thank you Luci!
Jess says
Loving the addition of lima beans! Have never done that before.
Gunjan says
Thank you Jess!
Sue says
What a unique dish ~ can’t wait to try it.
Gunjan says
Thank you Sue! Let me know how it turned out for you.
Beth says
I love how hearty and delicious this recipe is. I made it last night for the family, and it was a huge hit. I served it with some chicken, and it went over very well!
Gunjan says
So happy that you liked this recipe. You absolutely made my day with your feedback.
Rosemary says
I love quinoa and I’m always looking out for exciting and new recipes. I love the addition of the Lima beans. I can’t wait to make this delicious recipe.
Gunjan says
Thank you Rosemary!
Shan says
Would have never thought to put these together! Looks yummy!
Willow says
This sounds great! I have never tried lima beans, but since I love beans, I bet I would like them!
Gunjan says
I am sure you would love them. Its a must try recipe.
Maggie Unzueta says
Looks delicious. I’m a big quinoa fan.
Gunjan says
I love quinoa too. I eat it almost everyday.