Are you a vegetarian and want to include healthy protein in your diet? Are you looking for gluten free food to include in your diet?
QUINOA... is the answer for all these questions. It is loaded with proteins and is gluten free. In addition to that, it is high in dietary fiber, phosphorous, magnesium and iron. So undoubtedly quinoa is called as the superfood.
So here is my new invention (recipe).....bored of the regular chapatti (indian bread) and bhaji (veggies) for afternoon lunch, this what i came up with:
Ingredients: (Serves 2)
1/2 cup Quinoa (anyone which is available, i used the organic tricolored quinoa)
1 onion finely chopped
1 tomato finely chopped
1/2 - 1 cup of chopped button mushrooms
1/2 - 1 cup of broccoli florets
1/4 cup of cottage cheese cut into small squares (you can also use tofu)
2 tbsp of olive oil
1 bay leaf
1/2 tsp of cumin seeds
1/2 tsp of chili powder
1/2 tsp of cumin powder
1tbsp of minced garlic (u can also use ginger-garlic paste)
1/4 tsp of oregano
1 tsp lemon juice
Coriander leaves for garnishing
Salt and pepper for seasoning
For that extra indian kick you can also use garam masala :)
Wash and rinse the quinoa in cold water. Place 1/2 cup of quinoa and 1 cup of water in a saucepan and bring it to a boil. Simmer then cover and cook until all the water is absorbed which takes about 15-20mins. You will know the quinoa is cooked when the grains appear translucent and the germ ring will be clearly visible on the outside edge of the grains.
In another pan heat the olive oil. Once the oil is hot add the cumin seeds and bay leaf. You can also add the bay leaf in the quinoa while its cooking. Add chopped onions. Saute and cook the onions for few minutes. Now add the chili powder and cumin powder and mix well. Add all the vegetables except the cottage cheese and mix well. Add oregano, salt and pepper for seasoning. Let the vegetables cook for about 5-10 mins. Add the cottage cheese and stir carefully without breaking them. Finally add the quinoa into the vegetables and mix well. Let it rest for about five minutes before serving. Serve hot with coriander leaves and a splash of lemon juice.
