Quinoa, pronounced as ‘kin wah’ is not a true grain but is high in protein and is also gluten-free. Hence it has become sort of the new rage because it provides a great option for folks who are on gluten free diets. It is a good source of dietary fiber and phosphorus and is high in magnesium and iron. Quinoa is also a source of calcium, and thus is useful for vegans and those who are lactose intolerant. For more info, check this link: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Quinoa
Quinoa is easy to cook and is great in salads. I have just recently started experimenting with it. Here’s something quick and easy – I tried to make quinoa upma. Upma is a traditional ‘South Indian’ dish which is made using semolina. So I tried to do the same here with some variations using Quinoa. I added sun-dried tomatoes instead of fresh tomatoes to give it a slight tangy flavor. Also added sliced coconuts and peanuts. Real simple and delicious! I also grilled some veggies – some broccoli and spinach to have on the side.
This recipe will make 1 serving
Ingredients: 3/4 cup quinoa 1 and 1/2 cups water 1 tsp coconut oil (melted) 1/2 tsp mustard seeds 1 tbsp chopped sun-dried tomatoes 1 pinch of red chilli powder (cayenne pepper) 2-3 fresh curry leaves 1 tbsp thinly sliced coconut pieces or unsweetened coconut flakes 1 tbsp roasted peanuts 1/4 tsp or pinch of salt For the grilled veggies: 1 tsp melted coconut oil 1 cup chopped veggies- broccoli, spinach or any other vegetable 1/4 tsp garlic sea salt
Method:
Take a medium size cooking pot and heat it on the stove. Add the oil and when hot, add the mustard seeds. When they start spluttering, immediately lower the flame and add the sun-dried tomatoes, the red chilli powder and the curry leaves. Stir for about 30 seconds and then add the quinoa and the salt.
Then add the water and stir to mix well and heat on medium until the water starts boiling. immediately lower flame to low and cover with a tight-fitting lid. Cook for about 5-7 minutes until all the water has evaporated checking in between to avoid burning. Place the cooked quinoa on a plate and garnish with roasted peanuts and the sliced coconuts.
For grilling the veggies, heat a skillet or a medium size pan and add the oil. When hot, add the veggies and the garlic sea salt. Stir uncovered for 1 minute and then cover with a lid and cook for about 2 minutes or so until the veggies are cooked.
Serve the quinoa with grilled veggies on the side.
[…] I did manage to find some time to experiment. I make quinoa usually a couple different ways as an upma which is a south indian dish made from semolina or in salads my favorite being the citrusy one. […]
[…] is so versatile. You can do pretty much anything with it – make quinoa upma, use in salads or even soups and also use to make burgers.! Truly versatile. Plus so healthy for […]
Looks awesome Indu 🙂
thanks so much. yes this is a regular lunch for me now for most days! 🙂
This really looks great. Very attractive array of colours flecked through it.
Sorry I’m popping over later than usual from #recipeoftheweek – Linky Tools went down! Thanks for linking up. I’ve Pinned and Tweeted this post and a fresh linky is open over on the blog x
thanks so much Emily
Wat is the malayalam of quinoa…what should i ask the shop keeper for getting quinoa
Hi Anjana, I don’t think there is a malayalam name for quinoa. Quinoa is grown primarily in south america and exported to other countries. You should be able to find it in specialty stores or supermarkets in malls etc.
I keep hearing about quinoa and I’ve been meaning to try it but haven’t found any recipes that jump out at me yet….this one may just be the one though!
Popping over from #recipeoftheweek
Hi Sophie Nice to meet you! yes this is an easy recipe to try…and healthy and delicious too! thanks for stopping by! 🙂
This sounds delicious! I cook with quinoa a fair bit and am always on the look-out for different ways to cook and eat it so this recipe would definitely be one for me to try!
yes do try it. its so simple to make too! 🙂
I’m really quinoa-curious. This looks like a good intro dish!
Hi yes you are right this is real easy to make and its very healthy and delicious too! 🙂
I have never used quinoa, it looks interesting and this looks really tasty
Hi Alison, then you should definitely try this. Quinoa is quite easy to make – you can create many simple dishes with it and it is extremely healthy and tasty too! 🙂
I have never heard of this recipe at all but it looks fairly simple to do so may just give this ago x
Yes Upma is a traditional south indian breakfast food made with semolina. Yes its really a simple recipe but the coconut oil and coconut is what makes it so delicious.! Do let me know how you make out. thanks for visiting!