Pudina Quinoa Recipe
Description
The Pudina Quinoa Recipe is a delightful twist on the traditional Indian Pudina Pulao. Here, the rice is replaced with quinoa, a high-fiber and nutrient-dense grain. This dish is lightly spiced and bursting with the fresh aroma of mint leaves, making it a perfect choice for a wholesome vegetarian lunch. Whether you enjoy it as a standalone meal or pair it with a side of raita or curry, this recipe is sure to bring a touch of vibrant Indian flavors to your table.
Recipe Overview
- Cuisine: Indian
- Course: Lunch
- Diet: Vegetarian
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Servings: 4
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Quinoa | 1 cup |
| Onion, finely chopped | 1 |
| Garlic, finely chopped | 6 cloves |
| Green Chilli, slit | 1 |
| Cinnamon Stick (Dalchini) | 1-inch piece |
| Cloves (Laung) | 2 |
| Cardamom (Elaichi) Pods/Seeds | 2 |
| Mint Leaves (Pudina), chopped | 1/4 cup |
| Salt | To taste |
| Ghee | 1 teaspoon |
Nutritional Information (per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~150 kcal |
| Protein | ~4 g |
| Carbohydrates | ~25 g |
| Dietary Fiber | ~3 g |
| Fat | ~2 g |
| Iron | ~10% of DV |
| Vitamin C | ~15% of DV |
Instructions
| Step | Instructions |
|---|---|
| 1 | Wash 1 cup quinoa thoroughly under running water to remove any dirt or bitterness. Soak the quinoa in water for 2 hours. |
| 2 | Heat 1 teaspoon ghee in a pressure cooker over medium heat. Once hot, add finely chopped garlic and onions. Sautรฉ until the onions turn soft and translucent. |
| 3 | Add the slit green chilli, quinoa, and whole spices (cinnamon stick, cloves, and cardamom). Stir everything on high heat for 2 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. |
| 4 | Add salt to taste and 2 cups of water to the pressure cooker. Close the lid and cook for 2 whistles on medium heat. |
| 5 | After the second whistle, lower the heat to a simmer and cook the quinoa for an additional 15 minutes. Turn off the heat and let the pressure release naturally. |
| 6 | Once the pressure is released, open the lid and fluff up the quinoa gently with a spoon to separate the grains. |
| 7 | Add the finely chopped mint leaves to the cooked quinoa and mix well. The fresh mint will infuse the quinoa with its signature aroma and flavor. |
| 8 | Transfer the Pudina Quinoa to a serving bowl. Serve hot as a standalone dish or pair it with accompaniments like Dhingri Matar or Tomato Onion Cucumber Raita. You can also pack this dish for an office lunch box alongside snacks like Nutty Oats Almond Truffle or Sprouted Ragi & Rajma Cutlets. |
Tips for Perfect Pudina Quinoa
- Thoroughly Rinse Quinoa: Washing quinoa removes its natural coating (saponin), which can cause bitterness.
- Use Fresh Mint: Fresh mint leaves add an authentic flavor. Avoid using dried mint for this recipe.
- Adjust Spices: Feel free to adjust the quantity of green chilli and whole spices according to your spice tolerance.
- Fluff the Quinoa Gently: Avoid over-mixing the cooked quinoa to maintain its fluffy texture.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair this dish with a creamy Dhingri Matar or tangy Tomato Onion Cucumber Raita for a complete meal.
- For a balanced office lunch box, add snacks like Nutty Oats Almond Truffle or Sprouted Ragi & Rajma Cutlets alongside Pudina Quinoa.
This Pudina Quinoa Recipe is a wholesome, flavorful, and nutritious dish that brings together the goodness of quinoa and the refreshing taste of mint. Perfect for busy weekdays or relaxed weekend lunches, itโs a recipe youโll want to keep in your repertoire!
