My favorite dish with quinoa…
Curd quinoa is a healthy & nutritious dish made by mixing cooked quinoa with curd (yogurt) and seasoned with a tempering or Tadka. Similar to curd rice, a popular South Indian dish enjoyed by everyone I made curd quinoa, cooked rice replaced with quinoa.
Quinoa itself is a pseudo-cereal grain that is highly nutritious and packed with protein, fiber, vitamins, and minerals. When combined with curd, it creates a tasty and wholesome meal that’s not only delicious but also provides several health benefits.
Incorporating curd quinoa into your diet can be a delicious way to enjoy the benefits of both quinoa and yogurt while adding variety to your meals.
- Quinoa- 1 cup
- Water- 2 cups
- Salt- ½ tsp
- Curd or yogurt- 2 cups
- Coconut oil- 1½ tbsp
- Mustard seeds- 1 tsp
- Chana dal- 1 tsp
- Urad dal- ½ tsp
- Dried res chilies- 3
- Curry leaves- 8 leaves
- Pure sesame oil- 1 tsp
- I've taken 1 cup white quinoa, quinoa comes in various colors including black, red, yellow & white.
- It is recommended to soak quinoa in water for at least an hour, this will remove the phytic acid content in it & will make it easier for digestion & also removes the bitter saponin coating.
- After soaking in water, take the quinoa in a strainer & rinse under running water till the water turns clear.
- Add the soaked & rinsed quinoa to a saucepan, add water & salt.
- Cook covered for 15 minutes over medium heat till the quinoa has turned soft & the water has dried off.
- I find 15 minutes of cooking makes the quinoa soft & it will have a crunchy texture.
- Let the cooked quinoa cool down.
- Take 1½ cups cooked quinoa in a large bowl.
- Take 2 cups yogurt in a bowl & using a whisk beat the yogurt well.
- Add the beaten yogurt to the cooked quinoa, combine well.
- Add ½ tsp more salt, combine well & keep it aside.
- Let's make the tadka or tempering, this is a must add, will greatly enhance the taste & imparts a nice aroma to the curd quinoa.
- Place a small frying pan over medium heat.
- Add coconut oil let turn hot.
- Add mustard seeds, let splutter.
- Add chana dal & urad dal, fry till they turn golden in color; don't burn the dals.
- Add dried red chilies & curry leaves, saute for a few seconds.
- Immediately, pour the tadka over the curd quinoa.
- I also add 1 tsp pure sesame oil, this is optional.
- I love the taste & aroma of sesame oil.
- While serving, combine everything well & enjoy with pickle & pappad.
- Absolutely comforting, healthy & delish.