Quinoa with Sweet Potato, Beets, and Beet Greens

This quinoa with sweet potato, beets, and beet greens is a nourishing Ayurvedic grain bowl that combines grounding root vegetables with light plant-based protein.

Sweet potatoes and beets provide natural sweetness and grounding nourishment, while quinoa offers balanced energy without heaviness.

In Ayurvedic cooking, combining grains with seasonal vegetables and digestive spices helps create meals that support agni (digestive fire) and overall balance.

This wholesome dish works beautifully as a satisfying lunch or dinner that nourishes the body while supporting digestion.

Prep Time:

Serves:

45 minutes to 1 hour

Ingredients

1/2 cup white quinoa (rinsed)

1 cup water

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon turmeric

1 teaspoon ghee or make your own

1 tablespoon ghee

1/2-1 teaspoon cumin seeds

1/2-1 teaspoon coriander seeds, slightly crushed

1/4 teaspoon black pepper

1 inch of fresh ginger, chopped or grated

1 large sweet potato, peeled and chopped into 1/2 inch pieces

4 small beets or 2 large, peeled and chopped into 1/2 inch pieces

1 1/2 cups beet greens rinsed and chopped

1/2 teaspoon salt

Chopped cilantro for garnish

A squirt of fresh lemon juice for garnish

Preparation

In a saucepan, bring to a boil quinoa in water with salt, turmeric and 1 teaspoon of ghee. After it boils, turn the heat down, cover with a lid and simmer for 15-20 minutes or until almost all of the water is absorbed and the quinoa is light and fluffy. Red and black quinoa take longer to cook and may require more water.

While the quinoa is simmering, heat 1 tablespoon of ghee in a skillet. Add cumin, coriander and black pepper and saute until golden. Add chopped or grated ginger and cook until golden. Add sweet potato, beets and salt. Saute until almost soft, stirring and checking often, then add the beet greens. Cover with a lid to steam and cook the beet greens, checking and stirring often.

Add the vegetables to the quinoa. Cover and cook for 5 minutes so that the flavors of the vegetables and quinoa meld together. Make sure there is some water left in the quinoa, if not, add a little warm water to keep the food from sticking to the bottom of the pan.

Garnish with some chopped cilantro and lemon juice.

Enjoy!

Dosha Adjustments

Adjustments for Vata

Vata types benefit from serving this warm dish with extra ghee, a sprinkle of unrefined sea salt, and thoroughly cooked greens. The grounding combination of sweet potatoes, beets, and quinoa offers steady, nutrient-dense nourishment.

Adjustments for Pitta

Pitta types can enjoy this vibrant meal prepared with cooling cilantro, ground coriander, and sweet beets. The naturally blood-cleansing qualities of beets, combined with light quinoa, soothe fiery agni (digestive fire).

Adjustments for Kapha

Kapha types can enjoy this dish by using sesame oil instead of ghee, increasing the ratio of bitter beet greens, and seasoning with warm cumin and black pepper. This keeps the meal light while supporting metabolism.

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