Quinoa Pulav/Quinoa Biryani


I was not sure what to call this recipe, as this is just my creation combining vegetables and some spices with Quinoa(which I got to know from my friend Roopa). It has several health benefits apart from being rich in proteins.


Preparation Time - 5 mins
Cook Time - 30 mins
Serves - 2


Measurements & Ingredients:

• Uncooked Quinoa - 1 cup(8oz cup)
• Chopped mixed vegetables(beans, carrot, green peas, onion) - 2 small cups
• Oil - 2 tbsp
• Green chillies - 2
• Biryani Masala powder - 1 tsp
• Cumin seeds(jeera) - 1 tsp
• Bay leaf - 2 small
• Cinnamon stick - 1/2 "
• Cloves - 2
• Salt

Method:

Bring 2.5 cups of water to boil(1 cup Quinoa needs 2.5 cups of water).  Once the water starts boiling, add the washed Quinoa.  Lower the heat to low medium, cover it and let it cook for 20 mins.  Stir occasionally.  You can know that it is cooked when you see the Quinoa being translucent with a ring around it.  Usually it takes 15-20 mins to get cooked on low medium heat.  By this time there will be no water left, or if a little is left, cook it open until the water evaporates, but on the same heat.  Let it sit.

 Heat oil in a pan.  To this add jeera, bay leaf, cinnamon stick, cloves, green chillies, onion and saute until the onion turns pink.

 Now add the chopped vegetables, salt, mix and cook it covered for about 10 mins on low medium heat.  Do not add water.  Salt and the covered cooking will give out enough moisture to cook the vegetables.

 Add the biryani masala powder(I use the store bought one), mix and leave it to cook for 3-4 mins.

 Then add the cooked Quinoa and gently mix.  Cook for 5 mins, during which all the spices will blend with the Quinoa.

The Quinoa Pulao / Quinoa Biryani is ready to be served!  Enjoy it warm!