Indian Quinoa Recipes:
Quinoa is one of the best protein-rich foods. It has more protein than many grains.
It also gives fiber, iron, and magnesium. Quinoa contains all nine essential amino acids.
It comes from South America but is now popular in India. Many people use it for healthy eating and weight loss. You can cook it in many ways—breakfast, lunch, or dessert. In this blog, you’ll find six tasty and easy quinoa recipes.
Table of Contents
6 Indian Quinoa Recipes
1. Quinoa Upma
Ingredients Needed
- Quinoa – 1 cup
- Onion – 1 (finely chopped)
- Carrot, Beans, Green peas – 1 cup (chopped)
- Green chili – 1
- Mustard seeds – 1/2 tsp
- Urad dal – 1/2 tsp
- Curry leaves – few
- Salt – as needed
- Oil – 1 tbsp
- Water – 2 cups
Preparation Method
- Wash quinoa rice 2 to 3 times and keep aside.
- Heat oil in a pan.
- Add urad dal, few mustard seeds, few curry leaves, and one or two green chili.
- Add chopped onions.
- Add the vegetables.
- cook for 3 to 4 minutes.
- Now add quinoa.
- Add salt, and water. Mix well.
- Cover with a lid and cook on low flame for 15 to 20 minutes.
- When quinoa is fluffy, off the stove.
- Serve hot with chutney or curd.
2. Quinoa Pulao
Healthy and Spicy One-Pot Meal
A quick, nutritious lunch recipe that is perfect for both kids and adults.
Ingredients
- Quinoa – 1 cup
- Mixed vegetables – 1 cup (carrot, capsicum, beans, peas)
- Onion – 1
- Ginger-garlic paste – 1 tsp
- Garam masala – 1/2 tsp
- Cumin seeds – 1/2 tsp
- Salt and oil – as needed
- Water – 2 cups
Method
- Wash and soak quinoa for 15 minutes.
- Heat oil.
- Add cumin seeds, onions, ginger-garlic paste.
- Add chopped vegetables and sauté for 5 minutes.
- Add salt, garam masala, quinoa, and water.
- Cook on low flame.
- After water absorbed, off the stove.
- Fluff with a fork and serve with raita.
3. Quinoa Dosa
Perfect Healthy Breakfast
These dosas are crispy, protein-rich, and kids will love them!
Ingredients
- Quinoa – 1 cup
- Urad dal – 1/4 cup
- Methi seeds – 1/2 tsp
- Salt – as needed
Method
- Take a bowl and add quinoa rice, urad dal, and few methi seeds.
- Soak them for 5 to 6 hours.
- Grind to a smooth batter.
- ferment overnight.
- Add salt and make dosa’s on a hot tawa.
- Serve with chutney or sambar.
4. Quinoa Salad
Ingredients
- Cooked quinoa – 1 cup
- Cucumber – 1
- Tomato – 1
- Onion – 1
- Lemon juice – 1 tbsp
- Olive oil – 1 tsp
- Salt, pepper, coriander – to taste
Method
- Chop all veggies finely.
- Mix with cooked quinoa, lemon juice, and olive oil.
- Add salt and pepper.
- Garnish with coriander
- Then, serve chilled.
5. Quinoa Payasam
Healthy Dessert Delight
A twist to traditional kheer – but healthier!
Ingredients
- Quinoa – 1/2 cup
- Milk – 2 cups
- Jaggery – 1/2 cup
- Cardamom powder – 1/4 tsp
- Ghee – 1 tsp
- Cashews & raisins – for garnish
Method
- Cook quinoa in water till soft.
- Add milk and let it simmer.
- After few minutes, Add jaggery.
- Mix well.
- Stir in cardamom powder.
- Fry cashews and raisins in ghee and garnish.
6. Quinoa Ladoo
Healthy Snack for Kids
These laddus are sugar-free, packed with protein and fiber.
Ingredients
- Roasted quinoa flour – 1 cup
- Dates – 10 (soaked and blended)
- Almonds – 1/4 cup (chopped)
- Ghee – 1 tbsp
Method
- Roast quinoa flour on a low flame.
- Add dates paste and almonds.
- Mix well.
- Add ghee and mix till it binds.
- Make into small laddus and store in an air tight jar.
Conclusion
Indian Quinoa Recipes: Quinoa is a versatile, healthy grain that can easily be used in traditional Indian cooking. From breakfast to dessert, it fits everywhere without compromising on taste. These 6 recipes are easy to prepare, kid-friendly, and perfect for weight watchers too. So go ahead, try them out and make your meals more wholesome!
FAQs
1. Can I eat quinoa daily?
Yes, it is safe and healthy to eat in moderation every day.
2. Is quinoa better than rice?
Definitely Yes. Quinoa has high protein and high fiber than our daily using white rice.
3. Can kids eat quinoa?
Absolutely! Quinoa is great for children as it is rich in essential nutrients.
4. Can I give quinoa to babies?
Yes, For one year old babies can be introduced to soft cooked quinoa.
5. Does quinoa cause any side effects?
Very rarely. Some may face bloating initially. Start with small quantities.