MIXED VEGETABLE AND QUINOA KHICHDI

We have Cold weather in some parts of the world and snow in some other parts of the world. It is wet and cool weather in my part of the world. Schools are closed until they reopen after the new year. I have been Working long hours before the close of the year . I prefer to cook one pot nutritious meals as my boys love it too. It is so convenient and less time consuming.It can be made in just 30 minutes. Weekdays lunch is mostly one pot meals. We love to have Mixed Vegetable and Quinoa Khichdi with just pickle and papad or Sev.

What is Khichdi?

Khichdi is a wholesome dish with moong dal and rice usually. It is a one pot meal easy to digest. These days there are many variations to the khichdi. It is not only eaten when you are unwell , it is eaten even otherwise. I love khichdi anytime. It is protein packed ,nutritious and healthy too. My family loves to have the khichdi I make with a lot of veggies . I have substituted rice with Quinoa as i had a small packet lying in my pantry.

What is Foodiemonday BlogHop Theme?

This week our hostess is Archana from TheMadscientistsKitchen.com. From the themes she suggested Onepot meals was unanimously chosen. I was super excited as i had planned to share my Mixed vegetable and Quinoa Khichdi for this theme.She is an amazing blogger. She has shared many delicious and tempting recipes from the Goan cuisine , and recipes from different parts of India and the world. I love her Plum and Apple Cobbler recipe.

Ingredients for Mixed Vegetable and Quinoa Khichdi:

• Quinoa :Quinoa is rich in fiber, minerals, antioxidants and all nine essential amino acids, it is one of the healthiest and most nutritious foods.
• Horse Gram:It is a powerhouse of nutrients. It is rich in Anti-oxidant , Anti-Bacterial,Anti-fungal and Anti-Hyperglycemic, proteins and calcium. It increases stamina.
• Moong Dal: Packed with healthy nutrients it is rich in Potassium, Magnesium and Fiber
• Ginger : Known for anti -bacterial properties and aids digestion. Has many health benefits.
• Garlic: Packed with medicinal properties.
• Mixed Vegetables: I have used green bell pepper, potato and cauliflower. You are free to add veggies of your choice.
• Salt: Main ingredient
• Tandoori Masala: I have used Tandoori masala. You can use pav bhaji or Garam Masala in case you do not have tandoori masala.
• Kashmiri Chilli Powder: Add a nice color to the dish and is not that spicy.
• Butter: Gives a nice taste and aroma to the dish.
• Oil: Use any odorless oil. I have used sunflower oil.
• Jeera / Cumin:Has many health benefits. It has Anti-oxidant properties.
• Fresh Coriander: Gives a nice aroma and taste to the dish.
• Onions:Packed With Nutrients,onions are nutrient-dense, that means they are low in calories but high in vitamins and minerals. 
• Turmeric: Has Antioxidants and  Anti-inflammatory properties.
• Asafoetida: Adds a nice aroma and aids digestion.
• Cashews: Adds richness to the dish. It is rich in fiber and also in proteins.
• Mustard: Has many health benefits and aids digestion.

Recipe for Mixed Vegetable and Quinoa Khichdi:

• Author: Preethi Prasad
• Prep Time : 10 Mins
• Cook Time : 20 Mins
• Total Time : 30 mins
• Course :MAIN COURSE
• Cuisine : INDIAN

Ingredients: (1 CUP=160 ML)

• 1 Cup Quinoa
• 1/2 Cup Moong Dal
• 3/4 Cup Horse Gram
• 2 Onions chopped
• 1 Green Bell Pepper Chopped into Cubes
• 6 Florets of Cauliflower washed and chopped into medium size pieces
• 2 Medium Potatoes washed ,peeled and cubed
• 1/2 Cup Chopped fresh Coriander
• 1 Tsp Tandoori Masala
• 3/4 Tsp Kashmiri red chilli powder
• Salt to Taste
• 1 Tbsp Butter
• 2 Tsp Oil
• 1 Tsp Jeera
• 1/2 Tsp Mustard
• 1″ Ginger Finely Chopped
• 1/4 Tsp Asafoetida
• 4 Garlic Pods finely chopped
• 1/4 Tsp Turmeric
• 8 Cashews
• 5 Cups of Water

Method:

• Wash quinoa , moong dal and horsegram and soak in water till you chop the vegetables.
• Chop onions, bell pepper , potato and cauliflower. Keep them aside.
• Place the pressure cooker on the stove and turn on the heat.
• Add butter and oil. As the butter melts add jeera ,mustard and cashews.
• Once the mustard splutters add finely chopped ginger and garlic. Add turmeric and asafoetida too.
• Saute for a few seconds and add chopped onions. As they turn slightly brown add the rest of the vegetables and mix well.
• Now add tandoori masala and kashmiri red chilli powder. Saute for a minute.
• Add the soaked quinoa , moong dal ,horse gram and half of the chopped fresh coriander.Mix well.
• Add salt and water and close the lid .Cook upto 2 Whistles.
• Allow the pressure to be released completely before you open the cooker lid.
• Garnish with fresh coriander and serve with pickle and papad or Sev and Curd.
• Enjoy……………………………….

Notes:

• You can use Pav bhaji masala or garam masala in case you do not have tandoori masala.
• Add carrots ,green peas, leafy greens as per your choice.
• You can replace butter with ghee but I would recommend to use butter as the taste is amazing .
• Garnish with Kasoori Methi in case you do not have fresh coriander.
• The proportion and masala is apt for my family and it is cooked as per their liking.
• You can replace white rice , red rice or brown rice with Quinoa in case it is not available. Increase the quantity if water in case you use red rice or brown rice.

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• https://preethicuisine.com/mix-vegetable-masala-khichdione-pot/
• https://preethicuisine.com/baby-potato-biryani-guest-post/

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