Ranja
Though it’s a seed, quinoa is considered a whole grain. It can be prepared like other whole grains such as rice or barley. People are now inclined towards quinoa as its nutritious content is high compared to rice and other whole grains. Its high protein content is due to the high level of amino acids it contains. Quinoa contains no cholesterol and gluten. It is available on online stores for near about Rs600 for 500gms. It cooks fast, tastes great and here we bring you some easy recipes suitable for lazy cooks.
Cilantro and Quinoa soup
Ingredients
1) 1 cup rinsed quinoa 2) 4 cups vegetable stock (additional water if needed) 3) 1 cup chopped cilantro (coriander leaves) 4) 3 small/1 large onion (finely chopped) 5) 4 minced garlic cloves 6) olive oil 7) black pepper 8) sea salt 9) ½ lime 10) ground coriander (according to taste) 11) 1/4th teaspoon of cayenne pepper (ground red chilli pepper). To serve: 1)grilled shrimp 2) diced avocado 3)fresh cilantro 4) freshly cracked black pepper.
Preparation
1) Heat oil in a medium pot over medium fire. 2) add garlic and stir constantly for a minute 2) add chopped red onion and cook for 3-5 minutes till it softens 3) add the cup of rinsed quinoa to the onion and garlic and stir till becomes roasted and fragrant. 4) Add the vegetable stock and the chopped cilantro till the mixture boils. 5) lower heat to simmer for 15 minutes till quinoa is cooked. 6) season with salt, freshly cracked black pepper, ground coriander and the pinch of cayenne. 7) top it with grilled shrimp, diced avocado and fresh cilantro.
Breakfast quinoa bowl
Ingredients
1)1 1/4th cup cooked/ left over quinoa 2) unsweetened vanilla almond milk (1 cup) For toppings: 1) banana 2)raw pecan butter or 3)anything that you desire.
Preparation
(the night before) 1) add uncooked quinoa to pan of boiling water and allow it to simmer for 10 minutes. 2) turn off fire and set it aside for another 10 minutes. 3) keep pan along with lid in the refrigerator.
In the morning 1) pour almond milk in pan on medium high heat 2) once it sizzles add the cooked quinoa to it and turn down the heat. 3) Stir at intervals till the milk is absorbed till it reaches the consistency of oatmeal. 4) remove it from the heat and collect it in a bowl and add toppings to it.
Whole wheat banana quinoa pancakes
Ingredients
1) cooked quinoa (1cup) 2) wheat flour (3/4th cup) 3) cinnamon (1/2teaspoon) 4)baking powder (1 ½ teaspoons) 5)3 eggs 6) plain yogurt 7) coarse salt (1/4th teaspoon) 8) milk (2tbspns) 9) honey (2tablespoons) 10) pure vanilla extract (1teaspn) 11) 2pureed bananas.
Preparation
Take two medium bowls. 1) whisk cinnamon, flour, quinoa, salt and baking powder in a bowl. 2) whisk yogurt, vanilla, milk, egg whites and honey in another bowl till it is smooth. 3) add the egg mixture to the flour mixture 4) add pureed bananas and mix 5) lightly coat a non-stick stkillet with butter and heat over medium fire 6) drop 1/4th cups batter over skillet 7)cook for 2 minutes till bubbles appear on top 8) flip cakes until they are golden brown underside 9) wipe skiller and coat again with butter and repeat procedure with remaining batter 10) top with honey and fruits.
