Quinoa Kosumbari: A Healthy Indian Quinoa Salad
If you’re looking for a light, nutritious, and flavorful dish to add to your meal repertoire, look no further than Quinoa Kosumbari. This vibrant, protein-packed salad is a healthy twist on a traditional Indian recipe, offering a perfect blend of textures and mild spices. It’s quick and easy to prepare, making it a great choice for a wholesome snack, side dish, or light lunch. With its fresh ingredients, such as quinoa, cucumber, and cashews, along with the aromatic hints of mustard seeds, asafetida, and sesame oil, this salad is as delightful to the taste buds as it is to the eyes.
Ingredients
| Ingredients | Amount |
|---|---|
| Quinoa | 1 cup |
| Water (to cook quinoa) | 2 cups |
| Salt | To taste |
| Butter (optional) | 1 tsp |
| Cucumber | ½ (peeled, diced) |
| Sesame oil | 1 tbsp |
| Asafetida (hing) | ¼ tsp |
| Mustard seeds | 1 tsp |
| Cashew nuts | 2 tbsp |
| Green chili | 1 (slit) |
| Grated coconut | Handful |
| Fresh coriander | Handful (chopped) |
| Lemon juice | To taste |
Allergen Information
- Contains nuts (Cashews)
- Contains sesame oil (for those with sesame allergies, optional substitution can be made with other oils like olive oil)
Dietary Preferences
- Vegetarian
- Gluten-free
- Nut-free (substitute cashews with seeds like sunflower seeds for nut-free version)
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Serves: 4
Spice Level: Mild
Rating: 4.1/5 (28 votes)
Views: 34,784
Step-by-Step Instructions
-
Prepare the Quinoa
Begin by thoroughly washing the quinoa in three changes of water. This step is essential to remove the natural bitter coating present on quinoa. Once washed, leave the quinoa to soak in water for about 10 minutes. -
Cook the Quinoa
In a saucepan, bring 2 cups of water to a boil for every 1 cup of quinoa. Add the washed quinoa, salt, and a small knob of butter (optional for added richness) to the boiling water. Once it starts to boil, lower the heat and let it simmer for approximately 15 minutes, or until the quinoa becomes tender and the water is absorbed. -
Prepare the Cucumber
While the quinoa is cooking, peel the cucumber and scoop out the seeds using a spoon. Then, chop the cucumber into a fine dice and set aside. -
Season the Salad
Heat the sesame oil in a small pan over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the asafetida, mustard seeds, cashew nuts, and slit green chili. Toast them for a few seconds until the mustard seeds begin to crackle and release their fragrance. -
Mix the Ingredients
Pour the hot seasoning mix into the cooked quinoa and gently fluff it with a fork to incorporate the flavors. This will infuse the quinoa with the aromatic spices. -
Assemble the Salad
To the quinoa, add the diced cucumber, grated coconut, and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice. Mix everything together to combine the flavors. -
Garnish and Serve
Finish by sprinkling freshly chopped coriander on top of the quinoa salad. This will add a burst of freshness and color to the dish. -
Enjoy!
Serve your Quinoa Kosumbari as a side dish, light lunch, or snack. It pairs wonderfully with other Indian dishes or can stand alone as a nutritious, filling meal.
Expert Tips for a Perfect Quinoa Kosumbari:
- Adjust Spice Levels: If you prefer a spicier kick, feel free to add more green chilies or a pinch of chili powder to the dressing.
- Add More Crunch: For additional crunch, you can throw in some toasted pumpkin or sunflower seeds along with the cashews.
- Make It Ahead: This salad can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for a few hours. It tastes even better as the flavors meld together!
- Make It Vegan: Omit the butter to make the dish completely vegan. The sesame oil adds enough flavor to compensate for the missing butter.
- Vary the Veggies: You can also add other fresh vegetables like bell peppers or tomatoes for a more colorful salad.
Conclusion
Quinoa Kosumbari is an incredibly versatile dish that’s easy to prepare and full of nutritious ingredients. The delicate balance of quinoa, spices, and crunchy cashews with a fresh cucumber base makes this Indian-inspired salad an ideal addition to any meal. Whether you’re following a vegetarian diet, looking for a light side dish, or simply craving something new, this quinoa salad will certainly become a favorite in your recipe collection. Healthy, quick, and bursting with flavor, it’s a meal that proves nutritious eating doesn’t have to be complicated!
