Quinoa Hot Pot

Quinoa is an ancient grain crop, used as the "mother grain" by the Incas. Originated in South America, this grain is rich in vitamins B and E, proteins, dietary fiber, antioxidants and minerals such as iron, calcium, magnesium and potassium. It is considered to be one of the healthiest foods. Though now available in India, it is very expensive for using it as a staple diet. Hence, I mix it with rice to make the dish more nutritive. Here is an easy one dish meal that you can make with quinoa.

Ingredients:

White quinoa - 1½ cups or a mixture of quinoa and basmati rice*
Cut vegetables - 2 cups
Onion - 1 medium, finely chopped
Garlic - 2 pods, crushed
Olive oil - 3 tablespoons
Cumin seeds - 1 teaspoon
Dried red chilies - 2 no, broken to pieces**
Water - 2½ cups
Salt - to taste
Lemon juice - 2 tablespoons

* I have used a mixture of white quinoa and basmati rice in equal quantities.
** If available, you may use jalapeno peppers instead.

Method: Roast quinoa on medium flame till the aroma arises. Keep aside. Wash basmati rice 2-3 times in running water and drain well. Set "instant pot" (electric pressure cooker) to "saute"  mode.Once ready, heat olive oil and add cumin seeds and red chilies. When the seeds crackle, add onion pieces and saute till they become transparent. Add garlic and saute for 2 minutes. Now add cut vegetables, roasted quinoa and rice. Saute for 3 minutes. Add water and salt; mix well.Change the setting to "rice" and cover the instant pot with the vent sealed. When the dish is ready allow it to cool normally. Once cooled, open the lid, add lemon juice and mix with a fork. Serve hot.

Note: I have indicated how to use instant pot or electric pressure cooker for this recipe as it is becoming popular now. However, you may use the stove top pressure cooker for preparing this dish. Cook directly in the pressure cooker and follow the same recipe. Once the pressure builds up, wait for 5 minutes or 5 whistles and switch off the stove. Allow the pressure to release normally before opening the cooker lid. Follow the subsequent steps mentioned above.

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