Pudina Quinoa Recipe
Description:
The Pudina Quinoa Recipe is a light and fragrant dish, infused with the freshness of mint and the warmth of Indian spices. By swapping rice for quinoa, this dish becomes even healthier, offering a delightful combination of protein and fiber. This easy-to-make recipe is perfect for a light lunch or dinner, bringing together the aromatic flavors of cinnamon, cardamom, and cloves, all enhanced by the freshness of mint. Whether you’re looking for a healthy lunch option or a side dish to complement a larger meal, this Pudina Quinoa will surely become a favorite.
Cuisine: Indian
Course: Lunch
Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Quinoa | 1 cup |
| Onion, finely chopped | 1 |
| Garlic, finely chopped | 6 cloves |
| Cinnamon | 1-inch piece |
| Cloves | 2 |
| Cardamom | 2 pods |
| Mint, finely chopped | 1/4 cup |
| Salt | To taste |
| Green Chilli, chopped | 1 |
| Ghee | 1 tsp |
Preparation Time:
10 minutes
Cooking Time:
20 minutes
Instructions:
-
Prepare the Quinoa:
Start by thoroughly washing 1 cup of quinoa under cold running water. Once clean, soak the quinoa in water for about 2 hours. This step will ensure the quinoa cooks evenly and absorbs all the flavors. -
Cook the Spices:
Heat 1 teaspoon of ghee in a pressure cooker on medium heat. Once the ghee is hot, add the finely chopped garlic and onion to the cooker. Sauté the mixture until the onions become soft and translucent. -
Spice it Up:
Add the chopped green chilli, soaked quinoa, cinnamon, cloves, cardamom, and salt to the cooker. Stir everything together on high heat for about 2 minutes, allowing the spices to coat the quinoa and release their flavors. -
Cook the Quinoa:
Pour in 2 cups of water and stir well. Close the pressure cooker lid and cook on high heat until you hear two whistles. After the second whistle, reduce the flame and cook the quinoa for an additional 15 minutes on low heat. This slow cooking will ensure the quinoa becomes fluffy and absorbs all the spices. -
Final Steps:
Turn off the heat and let the pressure release naturally. Once the pressure has fully released, open the lid, and gently fluff the quinoa with a fork to mix everything evenly. -
Serve and Enjoy:
Transfer the Pudina Quinoa to a serving bowl and garnish with finely chopped mint for an extra burst of freshness. This dish pairs beautifully with Dhingri Peas and a refreshing Tomato Cucumber Onion Raita for a wholesome meal.
Tips & Variations:
- Vegan Option: For a vegan version, simply replace the ghee with olive oil or coconut oil.
- Add Protein: To make the dish even heartier, you can add some cooked chickpeas or tofu for an extra protein boost.
- Herbal Twist: If you love the taste of herbs, you can also add coriander or parsley to the quinoa before serving for a unique variation.
This Pudina Quinoa Recipe is a versatile, healthy, and flavorful meal that brings the essence of Indian spices together with the goodness of quinoa. Enjoy this dish as a satisfying lunch or as a side dish to complement your favorite Indian curry!
