VEGETABLE QUINOA

QUINOA...........pronounced as Keen-wah, is really a fascinating food, and is  much talked about  nowadays. It is very high in fiber, has lot of amino acids, high in riboflavin, magnesium and iron, contains Lysine, rich in Manganese, and contains antiseptic properties, low onglycemic index, helps you stay slim and trim, has flavonoids, lowers cholesterol, blood pressure, potentially anti inflammatory, good source of B Vitamins, and needless to say, all these qualities make QUINOA a bona fide SUPER FOOD!!!
Quinoa is not a grain, but a seed, and hence it is gluten -free!
After enumerating the great qualities of Quinoa, I must specify, this is of course, my daughter's special recipe!!! A spicy Quinoa preparation!!!

Ingredients

Quinoa - 3 cups

Onion - 2, finely chopped

Tomatoes - 3, chopped

Red bell pepper - 2, finely chopped

Carrots - 2, finely chopped

Cauliflower - 1, big, cut

Peas - 2 

Spinach - 2 cups

Garlic - ginger paste - 2 tsps

Chilli powder - 2 tsps

Jeera powder - 2 tsps

Coriander powder - 2 tsps

Garam masala / pav bhaji masala / channa masala - 2 tsps

Water - 4 3/4 cups

Olive oil - 4-5 tsps

Jeera - 2 tsps, to season

Turmeric powder - 1 tsp

Coriander / cilantro leaves for garnishing

Recipe Cuisine: International; Category: Lunch / dinner

Prep time: 15 mts; Cooking time: 20 mts

Serves 6-8 

Quinoa, measured and kept ready

Take a broad non stick pan, heat oil, and season  jeera

After the jeera splutters, add the onions and tuemric powder

Keep on medium flame, and saute till golden brown, adding ginger garlic paste also

now the red bell peppers........

and the cauliflower.......

now the peas

spinach......

and mix well? Isn't it a visual treat???

Add all the spice powders mentioned above....

Add the measured water, then salt to taste

When the water starts boiling, add the measured Quinoa

Simmer with a closed lid, quinoa will absorb all the flavors and get cooked nicely.

It might look a bit moist, but you can switch off when quinoa and all the veggies are cooked. Allow it to settle down for awhile, all the water will get absorbed, and quinoa will look grainy.

Garnish with cilantro/coriander leaves, and serve hot with any raita of your choice. Look here for the varieties of raitas

This post first appeared in www.malpatskitchen.com

Notes

* If Quinoa is not available , all kinds of millets can be used for this dish.

*1 or 2 slit green chillies can be added too.

*Fresh lemon juice also perks up the flavor of this wonder-dish.

Categories: Family contributions, Healthy Cooking, International cuisine, Millet Recipes, Rice Varieties