Quinoa Khichari-Quinoa with Yogurt

Quinoa- pronounced as Quin-wa is recently become very popular in many cuisines. This unique grain has nutty taste and has variety of uses.

Quinoa is a delicious, nutty flavored grain. It contains the most protein of any grain and is a great source of vitamin and minerals such as iron, magnesium, vitamin E, potassium, amino acids and fiber. It’s a great compliment to a vegetarian, vegan, or reduced-gluten or gluten-free diet. I find quinoa a bit bland so I cooked it according to the recipe and then added some yogurt etc and it came out really tasty.

How do you cook it?

Basic Quinoa Ingredients:

• 1 cup quinoa
• 1 1/2 cups cold water
• Optional: 1/4 tsp salt

To Soak or Not to Soak: It usually works well either way. Most quinoa that you buy in stores has been pre-rinsed and dried, but it won’t hurt to soak it for a few minutes beforehand. 5 minutes is sufficient to loosen up any residue of saponin, dust or chaff that remains. Skip soaking if you prefer, but always rinse.

1. You’ll need a 2 quart pot with a tight fitting lid, and a fine mesh strainer (I’ve used cheese cloth)
2. To Rinse: Stir the quinoa with your hand, use your fingers and palm of your hand to rub and clean, Carefully pour off the rinsed water, using a fine mesh strainer  remove the last of the water. You do not need to remove all the water, but ensure a good rinse.
3. After draining the rinsed quinoa, transfer it to the cooking pot.
4. Add 1.5 cups water & 1/2 tsp salt, if desired.
5. Bring to a boil, cover with a tight fitting lid, and turn the heat down to simmer.
6. Cook for about 15 minutes.
7. Remove quinoa from heat and allow to sit five minutes with the lid on.
8. Fluff quinoa gently with a fork and serve with Daal or Yogurt.
9. After I cooked Quinoa, I realized that it really was very Bland. I knew it had to have some flavor and other items.
10. Please check How to cook Quinoa. If you like it the way it tastes, you can use it plain but I wantedd to create some flavor and taste.
11. The recipe below will give you an idea of how to add  vegetable, Daal or yogurt to make it a meal.
12. So I added some yogurt,  and spices. It made a big difference  and I wanted to share it with you. This dish can be made ahead. warm and serve-caution- yogurt may make this dish a bit liquidy if heated-it will taste OK.Once you know what you would like with Quinoa, your creative ideas can work wonders. This can be agreat side dish or just a meal by itself- as long as you like Quinoa.You can add choppedd  green chilies if you like spicy hot taste.