Quinoa Upma/Pilaf

I'm on a healthy-eating spree! If you guys haven't tried quinoa yet, you are significantly missing out! It is a grain-like seed that can substitute any grain you use, and even rice. It is filled with lots of protein, and being the picky eater I am, even I love the taste of it :)

Quinoa upma is a fast go-to meal, filled with nutrients, that you can further add veggies as per your liking.

This recipe serves 4.

What you need:

• Quinoa - 1 cup
• Diced Mixed Veggies - 1 cup combined
• Favorites are carrots, potatoes, bell peppers, onions, corn, spinach
• Oil - 2 tbsp
• Mustard Seeds - 1tbsp
• Urad dal/ skinned black gram - 2 tbsp
• Turmeric powder - 1 tsp
• Serrano chili - 2
• Salt (as needed)

Method:

1. Heat oil, add mustard seeds, and when the splutter, add the urad dal.
2. When the dal begins to brown, add the chilis & veggies, and fry for 5 minutes or so.
3. Add salt & turmeric powder, followed by the quinoa.
4. In a couple of minutes, add 2.5 cups of water (ratio of quinoa to water is 1 : 2.5), and let simmer covered on low heat for 15-20 minutes.
5. Taste to make sure quinoa is al dente, and fluff up with fork.

Serve with chutney of choice or hot sauce and yogurt like I did :)

Basundi

I had basundi as a very young kid, and had forgotten about it for many years.  After about 15 years, the first time I had it was my own.  I usually try to make items with minimal ingredient needs but am willing to put in effort.  This is one of those simple yet time-consuming options.  Its appeal is from the richness of the ingredients, so definitely not for the calorie-counters.

Here's my version - This makes dessert quantity for 2.

What you need:

• Half & Half - 1 pint
• Milk (optional) - 1/2 cup
• Sugar - 6 Tbs
• Pistachios & Almonds - handful
• Cardamom/Elaichi - pinch

Method:

1. Simmer the half & half (and milk) on low heat in a big saucepan, while stirring often until it thickens further and the quantity reduces in half. (about 45 mins)
2. Add sugar and simmer for another 15 mins.
3. Add crushed/ground nuts and cardamom and remove from heat.

Tastes amazing warm or chilled.  I had one cup each way :P

 

Banana Date Sweet - Super Quick and Easy!!

I had about 10 minutes this morning to make a small amount of some sweet as offerings to God, and I ended up finishing it off in just 5 minutes.  Here's what I came up with.  It was quick, healthy, and yummy!!


What you need:

• Banana (ripe) - 1
• Pitted Dates - 5-6
• Ghee or butter - 1 Tbs
• Milk - splash
• Cardamon/elaichi - a pinch

Method:

Add chopped pieces of banana and dates to heated ghee/butter and fry for about 2 minutes.  Add the milk and mix for a couple more minutes until it all becomes mushy.  Add the cardamom, and enjoy!!

P.S. I have a bunch more pending recipes to post. Stay tuned :)