Quinoa Pulav

Quinoa (pronounced as ("keen-wah") is a grain used mostly in South American cuisine. It is not available in India. It is rich in protein unlike other grains. It's light and cooks fluffy and can be used as a main dish or in soups, stirfries or in breakfast, like rice with vegetables or meat. This recipe is especially for Indians who live in places where this grain is easily available. When I was in the U.S, I tried out these two recipes which were well received. The quantity used becomes nearly double when the quinoa is cooked. It is gluten free and good for kids, old people and pregnant women. Try it and enjoy it!

Ingredients	Quantity
Quinoa	1 cup
Water	1 cup
Sliced Bellpepper (Capsicum)	2 tbsps
Grated Carrot	3 tbsps
Sliced French Beans	2 tbsps
French Green Peas	3 tbsps
Chopped Onions	3 tbsps
Ginger Garlic Paste	1 tsp
Chopped Cilantro (Coriander) Leaves	1 tbsp
Turmeric Powder	¼ tsp
Cumin Seeds	1 tsp
Bay Leaf	1
Garam Masala Powder	1 tsp
Salt	to taste
Oil	1 tbsp
Fried Cashewnuts	6

Method

1. Cook the quinoa with water in a pressure cooker till done like rice. If you do not want to use the cooker it can be cooked in a pan with more water. If you need it softer more water can be added.


2. Take oil in a pan and heat it. Add the cumin seeds and bay leaf and fry.


3. Add the onions and ginger garlic paste and fry till light brown.


4. Add the finely chopped vegetables and stir fry till they are cooked.


5. Add the tumeric powder, garam masala powder and salt and mix.


6. Lastly add the cooked quinoa and mix it with the vegetables and cook it till it is hot.


7. Serve hot, decorated with fried cashewnuts and chopped cilantro.This can also be prepared like South Indian Upma too.