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Quinoa, a new grain that I have come to know of had been used in ancient South America.It was considered as the "Gold of the Inca...

Quinoa Salad Made Indian Style



Quinoa, a new grain that I have come to know of had been used in ancient South America.It was considered as the "Gold of the Incas" because it increased the stamina for its warriors. This protein rich food according to some websites I have been reading says its complete protein(implying that it includes 9 amino acids). It provides good sources of manganese, iron, phosphorus and copper. Ideal for people with diabetes, migraine and atherosclerosis. Bottom line it is very good for you( a vara prasadhum) and can be used as a supplement to rice. With all these health benefits I have become a very big fan of Quinoa (Keen-Wah). Contains 10.4 gms of protein in 1 cup of grain, great for a vegetarian diet. It has a nutty taste and almost feels like eating cracked wheat or couscous.It appears to resemble millet or big poppy seed.This wonderful grain is gluten free and so makes it indeed a Gold for people with allergies. To make it acceptable to traditional Indian taste, I brought in some Indian flavors. For the month of August,

An entry so apt for a protein rich One dish salad event hosted by Archana's Kitchen.

A perfect light salad to prepare in summer with abundance of organic fruit,vegetables and nuts available is great for Eating with the Seasons Event hosted by Maninas.





Gadgets:

Cutting Board
Knife
Wok
Saucepan with Lid
Bowl
Mixing Spoon
Measuring Cups
Measuring Spoons




Ingredients:

Quinoa - 1 cup
Water/Vegetable stock - 1 1/4 cup for cooking
Salt to taste
Oil - 1 Tbsp
Butter - 1 tsp
Red Onion - 1/2 cup finely cut into small cubes
Cucumber - 1/2 cup finely cut into small cubes
Tomato - 1/2 cup seeds removed cut into small cubes
Carrots - 1/4 cup cut into small cubes
Cilantro - 1 Tbsp finely minced
Lime Juice - 1/2 a lime
Green chillis (optional)- 1
Mustard Seeds - 2 Tbsp
Asofoetida - a few shakes
Apple - 1/2 cup
Nuts ( almond/cashew/walnut/roasted peanut) - 1/2 cup (optional)




Preparation:

1. Wash the quinoa well 3 times in water before soaking it in water for 10 minutes. This step is very important to remove a bitter taste it might have.

2. Bring water to boil and add the quinoa, salt(if using vegetable stock do not add any) and butter to it. When that starts to boil, turn to med-low cover and cook for about 15 minutes.

3. Cut the veggies, add little oil to the wok. When that warms up add asofoetida, mustard seeds and green chillis (optional). When the seeds pop add onions and garlic and saute it on high for 30 seconds turn off the flame and mix it with other uncooked veggies and fruit.

4. Allow the cooked quinoa to cool for a few minutes. Using a fork fluff it up toss this with the veggies/fruit mix one big table spoon at a time, so that the quinoa will mix evenly and not clump up.

5. Mix well, add salt if needed, pepper and garnish with cilantro and nuts(optional) and serve it warm, cold or in room temperature.




8 comments:

  1. Salad looks gr8. I like mango lassi also.

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  2. Not only do I love quinoa, I'm a huge fan of Indian flavours. I will be trying this for sure. Thanks!

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  3. First time hearing about Quinoa, thanks for sharing it and its recipe.

    Salad looks delicious:)

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  4. Looks appetizing!Never tried quinoa before, might try now ...

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  5. Can't hold the awards ... come and pick up yours ;)

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  6. Tried it, tastes good. Also healthy. Wonder how it will taste if the veggies are cooked.

    Great website!

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  7. Thank you for sharing this quick and healthy Indian vegetable salad recipe, looks very colourful. I would love to try this one, as salads are very nutritious and can be prepared in just few minutes. 

    vegetable salad decoration ideas

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