Spicy Quinoa Upma Recipe
Discover a vibrant and nutritious twist on a traditional Indian breakfast with this Spicy Quinoa Upma Recipe, which seamlessly blends the wholesome goodness of quinoa with aromatic spices and fresh vegetables. Perfectly suited for those seeking a high-protein vegetarian meal, this dish not only tantalizes your taste buds but also nourishes your body, making it an ideal choice for a delightful start to your day.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Quinoa (organic) | 1 cup |
| Cumin seeds (Jeera) | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Turmeric powder (Haldi) | 1/8 teaspoon |
| Onion (finely chopped) | 1 |
| Tomato (finely chopped) | 1 |
| Green Chillies (slit lengthwise) | 2 |
| Green peas (Matar) – steamed | 1/2 cup |
| Curry leaves | 1 sprig |
| Ginger (finely grated or chopped) | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Coriander (Dhania) leaves (finely chopped) | 4 sprigs |
| Extra Virgin Olive Oil | 1 tablespoon |
| Salt | to taste |
Nutritional Information (per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | Approx. 250 |
| Protein | Approx. 10g |
| Carbohydrates | Approx. 42g |
| Fat | Approx. 8g |
| Fiber | Approx. 6g |
| Sodium | Varies (dependent on added salt) |
Preparation Time
| Activity | Time (minutes) |
|---|---|
| Preparation | 10 |
| Cooking | 40 |
| Total | 50 |
Servings
This recipe yields approximately 2 servings, making it perfect for a cozy breakfast for two or as a wholesome meal for one.
Instructions
To begin preparing the Spicy Quinoa Upma, start by dry roasting the quinoa in a large, heavy-bottomed pan over medium heat. Continue roasting for about 3 to 5 minutes, or until the quinoa emits a delightful roasted aroma; once this is achieved, remove the quinoa from the pan and set it aside to cool.
In the same pan, add 1 tablespoon of Extra Virgin Olive Oil and heat it over medium-low heat. Once the oil is warmed, introduce the finely grated ginger, cumin seeds, curry leaves, and slit green chilies into the pan. As the cumin seeds begin to sizzle, add the finely chopped onion. Sauté the mixture until the onions become translucent and tender, which should take about 3 to 4 minutes.
Next, sprinkle in the turmeric powder, followed by the finely chopped tomatoes and steamed green peas. Stir these ingredients together and sauté for an additional 2 to 3 minutes until the tomatoes soften and meld with the onion mixture. Adjust the flavor by adding salt according to your preference.
Now it’s time to hydrate the quinoa! Pour 2 cups of water into the tomato and onion mixture, raising the heat to bring the water to a brisk boil. Once boiling, gently stir in the roasted quinoa, allowing it to cook on medium heat for about 4 to 6 minutes. Be sure to stir occasionally on low heat to prevent any lumps from forming.
After the initial cooking time, cover the pan with a lid and reduce the heat to low, allowing the quinoa to steam for an additional 10 minutes or until all the water is absorbed and the quinoa is perfectly tender.
Once cooked, turn off the heat and garnish your Spicy Quinoa Upma generously with the finely chopped coriander leaves. For an extra zing, you may optionally drizzle some fresh lemon juice over the top.
Serve this delightful Quinoa Upma warm, accompanied by a side of refreshing Coconut Chutney and a glass of Green Apple Spinach Juice, creating a wholesome breakfast that is both nourishing and delicious.
This Spicy Quinoa Upma Recipe not only celebrates the rich flavors of Indian cuisine but also showcases the versatility of quinoa, transforming a classic dish into a high-protein vegetarian delight that is perfect for any meal of the day. Enjoy the vibrant colors, aromatic spices, and health benefits of this beautiful dish as you savor each bite!
