Quinoa is a highly nutritious grain, rich in protein, fiber, and essential amino acids, making it an excellent choice for a balanced diet. It is also packed with vitamins and minerals such as magnesium, iron, and potassium, which contribute to overall health. Additionally, quinoa is gluten-free, making it suitable for those with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease.
Quinoa khichdi, made with moong dal and toor dal, is a wholesome and delicious dish that combines the benefits of quinoa with the protein and nutrients of lentils. Adding vegetables like carrots, green beans, onion, and any greens which enhances the dish’s nutritional profile, providing a variety of vitamins and minerals. This comforting one-pot meal is not only easy to digest but also perfect for a nourishing and satisfying lunch or dinner. For those looking for a healthy quinoa recipe, gluten-free khichdi, or protein-rich vegetarian meal, quinoa khichdi is an ideal choice.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup quinoa soak for an hour or more in 1 cup of water
- 1/4 cup moong dal wash and soak it in ½ cup of water for an hour or more
- 1/4 cup toor dal/pigeon peas wash and soak it in ½ cup of water for an hour or more
- 4 cups of water
- chopped coriander leaves
- Juice of half lemon
- 1.5 tbsp cooking oil or ghee
- 1 tsp jeera cumin seeds
- 4 cloves of garlic
- 1 inch ginger
- 2 green chilies
- 1/2 cup chopped onion
- 1/2 tsp red chilli powder
- 2 tbsp Peanuts / groundnuts
- 1/4 tsp turmeric powder
- 1/2 tsp coriander powder/dania powder
- 1 tsp Jeera powder
- 1/2 tbsp rock salt or salt to taste
- Vegetables:
- 3/4 cup chopped tomato
- 1/4 cup cut carrots
- 1/4 cup cut green beans
Instructions
- Prepare Ingredients: Grate the ginger and garlic.
- In a pressure cooker, heat the oil over medium heat.
- Add Spices: Once the oil is hot, add cumin seeds (jeera). When they start to sizzle, add the grated ginger and garlic. Sauté for a few seconds.
- Add Green Chilis: Stir in the green chilis and fry for a few more seconds.
- Add Aromatics: Add turmeric powder and chopped onions. Sauté until the onions turn golden brown.
- Add Tomatoes: Stir in the chopped tomatoes and cook for about a minute.
- Add Spice Powders: Add cumin (jeera) and coriander (dhania) powder. Mix well to combine.
- Add Lentils and Quinoa: Incorporate the soaked moong dal, toor dal, and quinoa along with the water. Mix thoroughly.
- Add Vegetables and Peanuts: Add the chopped beans, carrots, peanuts, additional water, and salt. Stir everything together and bring to a boil.
- Pressure Cook: Close the pressure cooker lid,put the weight on, and cook for 3 whistles.
- Final Touches: Once the pressure releases naturally, open the lid and stir in the chopped coriander leaves.