How to make Healthy Indian meals with Quinoa
Quinoa is originally a crop which is grown for its edible seeds. In fact, it is a good source of proteins and contains heart-healthy fats, folic acid and a good amount of fibre. I started using this grain once my son started solids. I tried making mixed grain khichdi’s or fried rice (pulav) for him. Later I discovered an instant one-pot Quinoa meal and Quinoa dosas. I try to make it, even more, healthier by adding loads of seasonal vegetables. So basically I have tried almost all healthy Indian meals with Quinoa. These seeds are #SuperFoodForHealthyYou as they are a good source of plant proteins making it is loved by all vegetarians and vegans.
Some healthy Indian meals recipes with Quinoa
Did you know that you could use quinoa instead of various other Indian grains? Let’s start with the one used the most in India- Rice?
1. Replace your rice with quinoa
So, the next time you plan to cook any rice recipe like fried rice or pulav. Ty replacing the white-rice with this protein-rich quinoa. Follow your same recipe and just replace rice with quinoa and add all other seasonal vegetables to give it a taste twist.
2. Replace Suji with Quinoa in your Upma
I got introduced to Quinoa Upma during a potluck lunch at my office. I google a few more versions and landed upon VegrecipesofIndia. Somehow her version suited our taste buds well. I generally skip adding daals and add some seasonal vegetables instead.
3. Make Yummy Quinoa Idlis or Dosas
Another way to add quinoa is your breakfast could be in Crispy Dosas. Wash and soak Quinoa for half an hour, and blend it well with a tsp of water to make the dosa batter. You may also add your favourite vegetables or purees to add flavour. I normally add Spinach (Palak) puree or Beetroot Puree to make colourful and healthy dosas.
4. Mix Grain One pot Meal
The Truth of Quinoa in Indian Meals
In short, Quinoa can be used in just about every Indian meal. It’s about using your creativity and experimenting. The only not so positive aspect of Quinoa is its slightly bitter taste due to its outer coating and it takes a little longer to cook. So, the simple trick would be washing it well till the foam like water comes. And then it is perfect to replace your other grains.
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This is my entry for the letter, ‘Q’ Blogchatter #a2zChallenge. Stay tuned while I share some interesting #SuperFoodforHealthyYou each day in this month. Do visit here tomorrow for next Superfood with the letter ‘R’.
Thank you for reading!
Do share in your comments if you like the post or have an interesting fact, memories or recipes to share anything about How to use Quinoa in your day?
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Quinoa is such a healthy food. But never imagined that it could be used like this.. in so many Indian daily recipes. Definitely gonna try this soon. Thanks for sharing
I have always wanted to try quinoa but I never knew how to use it properly without trouble! This post is an answer to all my questions! Thank you for sharing this!
Glad I could help, Do try and let me know how you liked the healthier version
Wow, never knew Quinoa can be cooked so differently. Thanks for sharing these tricks. Will surely try to make this and replace rice completely.
Thank you Jhilmil, Do try, I am sure you will like the healthy version 🙂
Wow, never knew Quinoa can be cooked so differently. Thanks for sharing these recipes. Will surely try to make this and replace rice completely.
There are so many wonderful ingredients that we commonly not aware of like Quinoa. It has great health benefits and is very filling too. Thanks for sharing all the wonderful insights.
My pleasure Nisha.. Thank you
Quinoa is healthy but I never knew so many recipes. Now it become easy to make my fussy eater to eat it
That would be great. Do let me know
Wow I never thought Quinoa can be made in so many different ways. Would surely try Quinoa dosa and upma at home. Thank you so much for sharing this amazing healthy meal recipes.
I’m a major quinoa fan, it’s a healthier replacement for rice. One bowl meal has been my favourite quinoa option personally. I’ll try out your meal ideas too
This is such an innovative post, Gunjan. Many people wrote about quinoa but not from an Indian perspective. I’d love to try these tricks.
These are good ideas. I have been hearing so much about quinoa but have been wondering how to make it.
I literally live on white rice which I know is not healthy in the long run. Would like to try Quinoa. 🙂
Thanks for sharing these recipes, Gunjan. I used to cook upma and kichdi Will try dosas
Thank you!! So glad you liked it. Do let me know how they turn out.