Mixed Bean & Vegetable Rice Flakes(Aval/Poha)

Of late my week ends are becoming more hectic than the week days. Especially Saturdays with too many activities for the kids, the day is very busy and exhausting too. So Sunday morning, I  try to relax from the previous hectic day/week, wake up little late than usual.  Every body is hungry including me and I open the refrigerator and have a little bit  of different vegetables and don’t have any kind of batter to come up with a quick breakfast. With pretty much no options and some left over veggies and boiled beans in my refrigerator I came up with this quick and well balanced breakfast. I always have some kind of boiled beans kept  either in the refrigerator or freezer to whip up some thing quick on un-predictable days like this.

If you include grains in your diet you should try this gluten free rice flakes. Poha or Aval can be found in Asian Indian stores and resembles pale, elongated and smaller variety of oats and is made from rice that is parboiled, pressed and dried. With some beans, vegetables and nuts they make a totally delectable dish which is very quick to make too. Do not be intimidated by the long list of ingredients, it is very easy recipe and also very forgiving.  Do try it out and let me know how you liked them.

Preparation Time – 10 to 15 Minutes

Cooking Time – 10 Minutes

Serves – 4 to 5

Ingredients

Onion – 1 big

Green chili – 2 to 4 or more to taste

Ginger – 1 inch piece

Green and red bell pepper, tindora(small gourd) – 1 1/2 to 2 Cups

Boiled green mung bean & black chick pea(kala channa) – 1 to 1/2 Cups

Roasted peanuts – 1/3 Cup

Fresh grated coconut – 1 Cup

Lime juice – Juice of 1 lime or more to taste

Cilantro – handful (chopped)

Poha/Aval/Rice flakes – 2 Cups

Salt – 1 1/2 Tsp or to taste

Turmeric powder – 1 Tsp

Tempering

Coconut oil – 2 Tsp

Mustard seeds – 1 Tsp

Split urad dal – 1 Tbsp

Split channa dal – 1 Tsp

Curry leaves – handful(Definitely add this for a lovely aroma but I didn’t have it in hand so left it out)

 

Method

1) Heat a wide mouthed pan and once it is hot add the coconut oil. Once the oil is warm add the mustard seeds.

2) After the seeds stop spluttering add the split urad dal, channa dal and after they slightly brown add the onions, green chilies and chopped ginger and a pinch of salt and saute till the onions become translucent.

3) Now add the chopped peppers, tindora half tsp of salt and turmeric powder and saute for five minutes.

4) Soak the poha in water and the dirt and husk if any will float on top, remove the impurities and then set it aside to drain in a colander.

5) Now add the cooked beans give a quick stir, squeeze out the water from the poha and add it to the pan and add the remaining salt and stir and switch off the stove.

6) Now add the lemon juice, grated coconut, roasted peanuts and chopped cilantro and stir and serve with some yogurt and pickle.

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Spinach, Peas & Paneer(Cottage Cheese) Brown Rice

Brown rice was the every day food in my house couple of years before. It’s been almost two years since Quinoa, replaced this wonderful grain. There are lot of posts still lying in my draft with brown rice as the star ingredient. I love this grain and even though I don’t cook with it very often like before now, I do make dishes occasionally using this high fiber grain.  If you include brown rice in your diet do try this recipe out and I am sure you are going to love it.  Do not forget to presoak your brown rice, I normally soak it for 12-18 hours.



Preparation Time – 20 Minutes

Cooking Time – 30 to 45 Minutes

Serves – 3 to 4





Ingredients





Brown Basmati Rice – 1 1/4 Cup(Soaked for 12-18 hours, rinsed and drained)

Spinach – 1 Bunch(Rinsed, drained, thick stalks removed and chopped)

Frozen thawed peas – 3/4 Cup

Paneer(Indian style cottage cheese cubes) – 3/4 Cup

Coconut Oil or clarified butter (ghee) – 1 Tbsp

Turmeric powder – 1/2 Tsp

Yogurt Sour – 1/3 Cup

Salt – 1 Tsp or to taste

Green Chili  & Coriander Paste (Handful of coriander(cilantro), green chili 2 or to taste, 1/2 tsp fennel seeds ground into a coarse to fine paste)

Water – 3 Cups

Cashews – 1 Tbsp

Cinnamon stick, Star Anise, Clove – 2, 1, 1 each

Method





1) Heat a Tsp of oil in a thick bottomed pan, add the cinnamon stick, star anise, clove and once they are slightly brown and fragrant add the green peas and saute for  5 minutes.



2) Now add the spinach and saute for 2-3 minutes. Now to this add the soaked and drained brown rice, water, salt, turmeric powder, chili & cilantro paste, yogurt and cover and cook stirring in between.



3) Once the rice is 3/4 Cooked and still with some water add the paneer(cottage cheese) cubes and cook till the rice is well cooked and the water is all absorbed.



4) Heat the rest of the oil and fry the cashews till golden and transfer the cashews with the oil to the cooked rice and mix gently and thoroughly with a fork and serve hot with raita(yogurt dip) of your choice.

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Tindora(Ivy Gourd) Quinoa

Happy Thanksgiving to all my readers and friends. I am sure every body would have started on their Thanksgiving menu and meal ideas already and  if you are still trying to figure out an option for the main course and which needs to be something nutritious, guilt free and something you don’t have to worry about after indulging. Then do include this high protein pseudo grain in menu.  Very easy to prepare and nutritious. Do try it out and let me know, how you liked it.

Ivy gourd(Tindora) can be found in Indian(Asian) stores and is very low in carbohydrate and in alternate medicine it is believed to regulate sugar metabolism. Looks like a small miniature cucumber and crunchy and crispy in taste.

Preparation Time – 15 Minutes

Cooking Time – 20 Minutes

Serves – 2

Ingredients





For the spice powder

Coriander seeds - 2 Tbsp

Split Channa Dal(Kadali paruppu) -1 Tbsp

Dry red chilies - 4 or as per taste

Cinnamon - 1 stick

Fennel seeds - 1 Tsp

Tamarind - 1 inch long piece

Coconut - 7 one inch pieces

Cooked Quinoa - 1 Cup

Tindora(Small gourd) – Around 12 to 15(Chopped into small pieces)

Turmeric powder - 1/2 Tsp

Salt - 1 Tsp or to taste

Coconut oil - 1 Tsp

Mustard seeds - 1/2 Tsp

Urad dal - 1 Tsp

Peanuts - 1 Tbsp

Chopped cilantro - 1 Tbsp







Method

1) Dry roast the ingredients given under the spice powder section until fragrant and once cool enough to handle, make a coarse to fine powder and keep this aside.

2) Heat the pan, add a tsp of oil and roast the peanuts till slightly brown, remove the peanuts and then add mustard seeds. After the seeds stop spluttering add the urad dal and leave it till slightly browned.

3) Now add the Tindora pieces, add the salt and turmeric powder and saute till well cooked. Cover and cook and this will take any where between 8-10 minutes. Now add half of the spice powder saute for a second and add the quinoa. Add one more tsp of oil and mix thoroughly.

4) Garnish with toasted peanuts and chopped cilantro and serve with raita(yogurt dip) of your choice.

Note – I made this spice powder and used up half of it to prepare Eggplant Quinoa and the used the rest in this dish. So based on the quantity required, half or double the spice powder measurement.

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Eggplant Quinoa

Quinoa is a protein rich pseudo grain, meaning a seed actually used as grain and is of South American origin. With a slightly crunchy texture and a nutty flavor this can be substituted in place of rice in most of the dishes. Quinoa is available in your local health food store or online stores. This eggplant quinoa is super quick to make. With rice being a staple in the region from where I come, there are so many varieties of rice that are prepared and relished and this is one amongst them. But in my house hold since quinoa is a staple, I just substituted the rice with quinoa to make this protein rich one pot meal.  The spice powder  is the key to this flavorful and delicious dish and I make it before hand and this stays good for at least a week refrigerated.  Very easy to put together, just try out this dish and do let me know how you liked it.

Preparation Time - 10-15 Minutes

Cooking Time - 20 Minutes

Serves - 2



Ingredients





For the spice powder



Coriander seeds - 2 Tbsp

Split Channa Dal(Kadali paruppu) -1 Tbsp

Dry red chilies - 4 or as per taste

Cinnamon - 1 stick

Fennel seeds - 1 Tsp

Tamarind - 1 inch long piece

Coconut - 7 one inch pieces



Cooked Quinoa - 1 Cup

Eggplants - 1 big or 2 small Japanese eggplants(Chopped into small pieces)

Turmeric powder - 1/2 Tsp

Salt - 1 Tsp or to taste

Onion - 1 small(chopped into small pieces)

Coconut oil - 1 Tsp

Mustard seeds - 1/2 Tsp

Urad dal - 1 Tsp

Ghee roasted cashews - 1 Tbsp



Chopped cilantro - 1 Tbsp



Method



1) Dry roast the ingredients given under the spice powder section until fragrant and once cool enough to handle, make a coarse to fine powder and keep this aside.



2) Heat the pan, add a tsp of oil and once it is hot add the mustard seeds. After the seeds stop spluttering add the urad dal. Once it slightly browns add the onion pieces and saute for a few minutes till translucent.



3) Now add the eggplant pieces, add the salt and turmeric powder and saute till well cooked. Cover and cook and this will take any where between 8-10 minutes. Now add half of the spice powder saute for a second and add the quinoa. Add one more tsp of oil and mix thoroughly.



4) Garnish with ghee roasted cashews and chopped cilantro and serve with raita(yogurt dip) of your choice.

Events



1) Sending this to Healthy Lunch box ideas - Brinjal an event hosted by Priya an event started by Kalyani.



2) Sending this Healthy Cooking Challenge - Healthy Lunch Box Ideas by Edible Entertainment an event started by  My Tasty Curry

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Green Mung Bean Savory Pancake(Pesarattu)

If you are looking for a high protein and low carb super nutritious break fast recipe, do include this recipe  in your list. A signatory breakfast of Andhra(Southern State in India) is super filling and at the same time very nutritious also. If you haven't tried this before, do try out this gluten free, grain free, savory power packed breakfast made with legumes. Normally accompanied with coconut and ginger chutney, they are such a treat for the taste palate. I served this one with Bell pepper & Almond Chutney.



Preparation Time - 20 Minutes

Cooking Time  - 20 Minutes

Serves - Around 6





Ingredients



Whole Green Mung Bean/ Dal - 1 Cup

Salt - 3/4 Tsp or more to taste

Ginger - peeled 1/2 inch piece

Green Chili - 2 to 3 depending on the spice preference

Onion - 1 Chopped into small pieces

Coconut Oil - 2 Tbsp (or you can use ghee also(clarified butter))



Method



1) Soak the green mung dal over night. In the morning, rinse the soaked dal couple of times drain the water. Add the ginger, salt and chili and some fresh water  in a food processor, Grind and make a fine paste. The batter should be slightly thin than the pan cake batter.



2) Heat a Iron griddle and then once it is hot, take a ladle full of batter and make a thin circle and add a tsp of oil around it. In medium heat cook this and once one side is well cooked, flip it and cook the other side. Now place the side which was cooked first the outer side and sprinkle the chopped onions and fold it.



3) Remove from the iron griddle and serve hot with chutney of your choice.



Events



1) Sending this to CWS- Cooking with Seeds Mung Bean hosted by Priya of Priya's Easy N Tasty Recipes.

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Ragi & Mung Bean Idli (Finger Millet & Mung Bean Steamed Duplings)

Looking for a low carbohydrate and high protein breakfast, then give this Idli a try. With ground batter in hand this is so easy to make on a busy morning. Finger millet with its dark brown color is much superior in terms of nutrition when compared to other millet varieties. With no gluten in them this is such a ideal grain for people on gluten free diet. Very easy to digest and a good source of Iron and calcium finger millet is one of the first table foods given to babies in certain parts of India.  If you are looking for ways to include this grain in your diet, give this one a try and I am sure you are going to like it.



Preparation Time - 10 Minutes

Cooking Time - 15 Minutes

Serves - 16 to 18 Idlis





Ingredients



Yellow Mung Dal - 1/2 Cup

Urad dal - 1/2 Cup

Ragi seeds -  2 Cups

Eno - 1/2 Tsp

Salt - 1 1/2 Tsp or to taste

Chopped coconut - 1/4 cup



Tempering -

Coconut Oil - 1 Tbsp

Mustard seeds - 1 Tsp

Split urad dal - 1 Tsp

Green chili - 2 or more to taste

Grated Ginger - 1 Tbsp



Method



1) Rinse and soak the dals for 2 hours and the ragi for 6 - 8 hours. Once well soaked, drain them and grind them separately into a fine batter.  Add little water at the time of grinding and more water can be added later if desired.



2) Add salt and mix thoroughly and leave this overnight to ferment.



3) Heat oil, once it is hot add all the tempering ingredients and once they are done add it to the batter.

Also add the coconut pieces and combine thoroughly.



4) Take the Idli molds & grease then with a thin layer of oil. Heat a pressure cooker or idli vessel with enough water. To the ground batter add eno and mix thoroughly. The whole batter will fluff up nicely, now pour the batter in the molds and steam it for 15 minutes in medium heat and then switch off the stove.  Insert a knife in the center of the idli to check if it comes clean to make sure, the idli is properly cooked.



5) Remove them and serve the Idlis with your choice of chutney and sambar.

Events

Sending this to Flavors of South India hosted by Simply Food.

Also sending this to Serve it Steamed hosted by Krithi's Kitchen an event started by Denny's

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Mini Ragi, Mung & Kala Channa Sevai/Idiyappam( Finger Millet & Bean String Hopper)

Are you looking for more ways to loose weight. Then try to cut down on your Grain, Sugar, Starchy vegetable & fruit consumption and slightly go towards pseudo grains like Ragi, Quinoa etc. Both these are seeds but actually used as grain and are gluten free. Ragi  is very rich in calcium and iron. Dark brown in color and with a sweet taste, nutty flavor and with complex carbohydrates. Gluten free and easy to digest ragi is good from Infants to Old aged people. Here I have used Ragi flour along with protein rich Black Chick Pea flour and green mung  bean flour. Both these beans are rich in protein, iron and very low in glycemic index. I served this with Tomato Kurma (Tomato & Coconut Curry with Spices). An unbeatable combination, try this out and let me know, what you think about this recipe. Made into small mini string hoppers my elder one loves this.



Preparation Time - Nil

Cooking Time - 45 Minutes

Serves - 3 to 4





Ingredients



Ragi Flour - 12 oz ( 1 1/2 Cups)

Green Mung Flour - 4 oz (1/2 Cup)

Kala Channa Flour - 4 oz (1/2 Cup)

Salt - 3/4 Tsp

Coconut Oil - 1 Tbsp

Water - 4 Cups



Method



1) Take all the three flours, combine evenly and set it aside.



2)  Boil the water in a wide mouthed vessel, once it starts boiling add the salt and the oil and slowly add the combined flours little by little stirring with a heavy spoon continuously so that there are no lumps formed. Switch of the stove and combine thoroughly so that there are no dry spots or the water is evenly mixed with the flours. Cover it and keep it aside for 5-10 minutes and then take out and spread them in wide plate for around 20 minutes to cool down.



3) Grease your hand and as well as the Idli plates. Take a string hopper maker (Idiyappam press), roll out balls of dough and place them in the Idiyappam press and press them in the greased Idli plates.  Now steam the idli plates for around 10 minutes. Repeat the same process till all the dough is exhausted.

Event Participation

This goes to Champa's Kids delight mini bytes an event started by Srivalli.

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Ragi, Mung & Kala Channa Dosai(Savory Finger Millet & Bean Pan Cake)

Ragi or Finger Millet is actually a Pseudo grain and is very rich in calcium and iron. Dark brown in color and with a sweet taste, nutty flavor and with complex carbohydrates. Gluten free and easy to digest ragi is good from Infants to Old aged people. Here I have used Ragi flour along with protein rich Black Chick Pea flour and green mung  bean flour. Both these beans are rich in protein, iron and very low in glycemic index. Served with some chutney and a glass of vegetable smoothie they make a perfect breakfast, lunch or dinner.

Preparation Time - 10 Minutes

Cooking Time - 15 to 20 Minutes

Serves - Makes 4 Pancakes

Ingredients

Ragi Flour - 6 oz

Whole Green Mung Flour - 2 oz

Black Chick Pea Flour(Kala Channa flour) -2 oz

Water - 1 Cup (If the yogurt is little watery, cut down the water to 3/4 Cup)

Yogurt - 1/4 Cup(Thick)

Onion - 1 Small(Chopped finely)

Green Chili  - 1 or to taste or optional(chopped finely)

Salt - 3/4 Tsp or to taste

Method

1) Combine all three flours and to this add the salt and then add the yogurt and water and using an egg beater mix thoroughly without any lumps.

2) To this batter add the chopped onions and green chilies and combine well.

3) Heat a iron griddle and once it is hot take a ladle full of batter and pour the batter in a circular way to cover  the surface to make a circle and pour 1 tsp of oil around it.

4) Cook on medium heat and once it is well cooked, flip it and cook the other side.

5) Serve hot with sambhar or chutney of our choice.

Event Participation



This goes to My Culinary creations Dosa Recipes.

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Four Lentil Adai(Savory Pancake) with Fenugreek leaves & cilantro

If you are looking for a savory pancake, low in carb, gluten free, high protein and grain free. Then this dish is definitely for you. So easy to make, soak, grind and spice it up with few greens and make. With some Chutney as a side dish and with a cup of CCC Smoothie it makes a total balanced break fast or a lunch and fill you up for hours. Try this out and let me know how you liked it.





Preparation Time - 10 Minutes

Cooking Time - 20 to 30 Minutes

Serves - 3 to 4





Ingredients



Channa Dal(Split Chick Pea) - 1/2 Cup

Toor Dal(Split Pigeon Pea) - 1/2 Cup

Urad Dal(Whole or Split either is fine) - Handful

Yellow Mung Bean - Handful

Ginger - 1 inch piece (peeled)

Dry red chili - 2 to 3 or to taste

Coconut - 1/2 Cup

Curry leaves - few (5 to 6 leaves)

Chopped Cilantro - 1/2 Cup

Chopped Fenugreek leaves - 3/4 Cup

Salt - 1 Tsp or to taste

Water - 1/2 Cup

Sesame Oil - 10 Tsp



Method



1) Wash rinse and soak channa dal, toor dal, urad dal and yellow mung bean overnight.



2) Drain the water from the soaked lentils and in a food processor add these lentils, curry leaves, salt, ginger piece, coconut and add water and process into a smooth paste.



3) To this add the chopped fenugreek leaves and cilantro and add more water if desired. The consistency of the batter should be that of pancake or slightly thinner(for a crispier pancake) but  not too watery.

4) Heat a iron griddle and once it is hot take a ladle full of batter and make a circle and pour 1 tsp of oil around it.

5) Cook on medium heat and once it is well cooked, flip it and cook the other side.

6) Serve hot with sambhar or chutney of our choice.

Event Participation

1) This goes to Herbs & Flowers in Platter hosted by What's Cooking, an event started by PJ.

2) Sending off to Breakfast club hosted by Krithi's Kitchen an event by Fuss Free Flavors.

3) This also goes to the Breakfast Mela an event by Srivalli of Cooking 4 all Seasons.

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Quinoa Peas Pulao/Pilaf

Quinoa is a highly nutritious food from South America. Quinoa is rich in protein content, complete protein as it contains all the essential amino acids, especially lysine, which is required by the body to grow and repair tissues. Apart from Protein it is also a good source of  iron, calcium, potassium, copper and magnesium. If you are looking for a gluten free diet, Quinoa is a boon for you. The high protein content and low carb content will make this a best fit for people with diabetes, childhood asthma,  migraines and vegetarians aiming for a high protein diet.



Do you eat Quinoa on a daily basis and are getting bored with your usual Quinoa salad recipes, try this one out and I am sure you would love the taste and flavor. Very easy and quick to make, this recipe is a sure keeper. I served this with Paneer Makhani an Indian Cottage Cheese dish cooked with spices & salad, a complete balanced and great tasting lunch.



Preparation Time - 20 Minutes

Cooking Time - 20 Minutes

Serves - 2





Ingredients



Cooked Quinoa - 1 1/2 Cups

Frozen Green Peas - 1/2 Cup (defrosted)

Onion medium sized - 1 (Chopped into thin slices)

Ginger Garlic Paste - 1/2 Tsp

Green Chili - 2 or to taste

Coconut Oil - 2 Tsp

Mustard seeds - 1/2 Tsp

Fennel seeds - 1/2 Tsp

Salt - 1 Tsp or to taste

Garam Masala powder - 1 Tsp

Toasted cashews - 8 to 10 (broken into pieces)



Method



1) Heat a pan and add a tsp of oil, once the oil is hot add the mustard seeds. After the mustard seeds stop spluttering add the fennel seeds and the ginger garlic paste.



2) Saute this for a few minutes till the raw smell of the ginger garlic paste is gone and it is slightly browned. Now add the chopped green chilies and the onions and add 1/4 tsp of salt and cook till the onions are translucent.



3) Now add the green peas and another 1/4 tsp of salt and 1/4 cup of water. Cook till the peas are tender. (Add more water if required but do not add a lot because we just need 1 to 2 Tbsp of water when we add the cooked quinoa)



4) Now add the cooked quinoa, rest of the salt, garam masala powder and simmer till the water as well as the spices are absorbed by the quinoa and switch off the stove. Add a tsp of the remaining coconut oil for good flavor and garnish with chopped cilantro and toasted nuts and serve.

Event



This goes straight to Only Fusion Recipes hosted by Priya of Now Serving and an event started by Pari.

Sending this to WWC-Quinoa for Dinner hosted by Ohtastensee an event started by Sanjeeta.

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Quinoa Kichidi

If you like Quinoa, you should definitely try this. Even if you don't like the taste of this high protein seed, you should try making this dish and I am sure Quinoa will go away from your not so favorite food list. The addition of mung bean gives a very nice taste to this dish. The addition of sweet peppers & spices not only makes it taste better but also kind of hides the slight bitter taste of Quinoa.



This is a one pot dish, with low carb and high protein content. With a cup of raita, this would be a perfect balanced, quick and filling meal.  So try this out and let me know, how you liked it.



Preparation Time - 10 Minutes

Cooking Time - 10 Minutes

Serves - 1 to 2



Ingredients



Cooked Quinoa - 1 Cup

Cooked Mung Bean(Moong Dal) - 1/2 Cup

Chopped bell pepper - 1 Cup (Red, Yellow & green)

Sambar powder - 1/2 Tsp

Garam Masala powder - 1/4 Tsp

Salt - 3/4 Tsp or to taste

Lemon Juice - 1 1/2 Tsp or to taste

Ghee(Clarified butter) - 1/2 Tsp

Water - 2 Tbsp or more depending on the thickness desired



Tempering



Coconut Oil - 1 Tsp

Mustard seeds - 1/2 Tsp

Curry leaves - few



Garnishing



Chopped Cilantro



Method



1) Heat a pan, add a tsp of oil and once this is hot add the mustard seeds.



2) After the mustard seeds stop spluttering, add the asafoetida powder, curry leaves and the chopped bell peppers and little bit of salt.



3) Once the bell peppers are tender, add the sambar powder, saute for a few seconds and then add the cooked quinoa and cooked moong dal along with the remaining salt.



4) If the quinoa mixture is too thick, add little bit of water and simmer for 3-5 minutes.



5) Switch off and add 1/2 tsp ghee and chopped cilantro. Add the lemon juice once it slightly cools down, combine well.



6) Serve with raita enjoy.

Event Participation

1) This goes to Only Original Recipes hosted by Nivedita an event started by Pari.

2) Sending this to WWC-Quinoa for Dinner hosted by Ohtastensee an event started by Sanjeeta.

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Ragi Puttu & Kadala Curry(Steamed Finger Millet with Brown Chick Pea Curry)

Ragi(Finger Millet), Quinoa all these are Pseudo grains meaning not actual grains like Wheat, Rice, Corn etc but seeds which are actually used as grains. If you are a vegetarian and looking for a gluten free and trying to eliminate grains like Wheat, Corn and Rice, these pseudo grains are a sure savior. Finger millet is a very good source of calcium and a good source of fiber and complex carbohydrates. This along with the protein rich Brown Chick Pea(the protein content in this is much more than the white variety), would make a perfect balanced break fast or lunch. 

Kadalai Curry

Ingredients

Kala Channa(Brown Chick Pea) - 1 Cup

Onion - 1 (chopped)

Tomato - 1 (chopped)

Grated Coconut - 1/3 Cup

Garlic - 3 Cloves

Ginger - 1 inch piece

Masala/Spices  - (1 Tsp Coriander seeds, 1/4 Tsp cumin seeds, 1-2 dry red chili, 1/2 Tsp Fennel seeds, 1 Clove, 1 inch piece of Indian Cinnamon Stick, 1/4 Tsp Black Whole Pepper Corns)

Curry Leaves - few for seasoning

Coconut Oil -2 Tsp

Mustard Seeds - 1/2 Tsp

Green Chili -2 

Salt - 1 1/2 Tsp or to taste

Turmeric powder - 1/2 Tsp

Method

1) Soak the brown chick pea overnight and pressure cook with enough water to cover its surface by adding salt and split green chili for 3 to 4 whistles.

2) Heat a pan and add 1/2 tsp oil and roast the grated coconut and keep it aside.

3) Heat the pan once again and add 1/2 tsp oil and to this add the chopped garlic cloves, once this browns nicely add all the ingredients mentioned next to masala  in the ingredient list and once they slightly brown, add the onion and ginger as well and saute for a few minutes till it becomes translucent, now add the chopped tomato and saute till the tomato becomes tender. Keep this aside to cool.

4) Now grind the cooled coconut, onion & tomato mixture along with masala and add a handful of cooked chick pea (if you want a thick gravy) into a fine paste.

5) Heat a pan, add the remaining oil and add the mustard seeds. Once these seeds stop spluttering, add the curry leaves and the ground paste. To this add the turmeric powder, remaining salt and saute for 3-4 minutes.

6) Now to this add the cooked chick pea along with the water and simmer for another 5 minutes and then switch off. Add more water and salt at this stage based on your preference.

Ragi Puttu



Ingredients



Sprouted and Roasted Ragi flour - 2 Cups

Water - 1/2 Cup

Salt - 1 Tsp or to taste

Grated Coconut - 3/4 Cup

Warm Coconut Oil - 1 Tbsp



Method



1) Warm the water slightly. Add salt, grated coconut and warm coconut oil to the ragi flour and set it aside.



2) To this slowly add the water little by little and combining it nicely, the flour should be slightly wet and damp enough for steaming. If you take a small amount of flour in your hands and give a slight pressure and set it down, the flour should be able to hold it's shape. If not add little more water and try. (Do not pour a lot of water at the same time,  since you are not trying to form a dough).



3) I don't a have a puttu maker, so I greased a idli plate and took the ragi mixture in a small greased bowl and  pressed it evenly and then inverted it in each of the idli mold and steam it for 10 minutes.



4) Serve hot with kadala curry.

Event Participation



This Olan goes straight to the Kerala Kitchen.

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Ragi(Finger Millet), Green Mung, Black Chick Pea Cutlet

A grain free, gluten free,  a super diet for people with diabetes, carb & weight watchers, easily digestible can be given for kids and even infants. Apart from all these very filling,  tastes very good, very versatile and very inexpensive. Can any food fall on these categories? Ragi or Finger Millet is the one that would fit all these description. This seed used as a grain is extremely nutritious one. Instead of just Ragi, I have combined Green Mung Flour and Black Chick Pea flour to make this as a well balanced dish with complex carbohydrate and protein. I make this often either by adding chopped raw onions and green chili or by combining mixed vegetables. The simple cutlet just with onion and green chili tastes absolutely great when compared to the latter.



Preparation Time - 10 Minutes

Cooking Time - 30 Minutes

Serves - 4



Ingredients



Ragi Flour - 12 oz ( 1 + 1/2 Cup)

Green Mung Flour - 4 oz (1/2 Cup)

Kala Chana Flour - 4 oz (1/2 Cup)

Salt -1 Tsp or to taste

Coconut Oil - 2 Tbsp

Water - 30 oz (1 1/2 times the flour)



Chopped Raw onions  - 1 Cup

Chopped Green Chilies - 2 or to taste

Chopped Ginger - 1 inch piece



or



Combination of finely chopped and sauteed vegetables with salt -1 Cup(Carrots, Bell Peppers, Beets, Onions etc)



Method



1) Combine the Ragi flour, kala channa, green mung flour and keep it aside.



2) Heat a wide mouthed pan with water and once it starts boiling, add the salt and the combined flours.



3) Simmer and keep stirring thoroughly  till you a form a thick dough.



4) Set this aside to cool down, once the dough is cool enough to handle with hand, add the chopped onions, green chili, ginger pieces or the sauteed vegetables.



5) Grease your hands and combine the vegetables to make a well formed dough. You should be able to make a ball out of the dough and flatten it with your palm. If the dough is too thick and dry add little bit more of warm water.



6) Heat an Iron griddle and make patties out of this dough and cook on both sides by adding little bit of coconut oil and serve hot with some Onion Pickle.

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Lemon Quinoa(Quinoa Lemon Pulihora)



Quinoa is a highly nutritious food from South America. Quinoa is rich in protein conten, complete protein as it contains all the essential amino acids, especially lysine, which is required by the body to grow and repair tissues. Apart from Protein it is also a good source of  iron, calcium, copper, potassium and magnesium. If you are looking for a grain free as well as gluten free diet, Quinoa is a boon for you. The high protein content and low carb content will make this a best fit for people with diabetes, childhood asthma,  migraines and vegetarians aiming for a high protein diet.

 The seed of quinoa has a coating of saponin that imparts it a bitter taste and is quite toxic. It needs to be soaked for minimum 30 minutes and rinsed under cold running water to remove this coating. Very easy to cook and so good for you. This can be easily substituted for any rice dish instead of rice

Preparation Time - Nil

Cooking Time - 25 Minutes

Serves - 2

Ingredients

Cooked Quinoa - 2 cups

Red or Green Chillies - 4 (more if you want it spicy)

Roasted Peanuts - 1/4 cup

Coconut Oil - 1 Tbsp

Sesame Oil - 1 Tbsp

Channa Dal - 1 Tbsp (Soak this in water for 20-30 minutes)

Chopped curry leaves - 4 tsp

Mustard Seeds - 1/2 tsp

Asafoetida powder - 1/4 tsp

Salt - 1 tsp or to taste

Turmeric Powder - 1 Tsp

Lemon Juice - 1 Tbsp or to taste



Method



1) Heat coconut oil, add mustard seeds and once it stops spluttering add asafoetida powder, drained channa dal, chillies, curry leaves. Saute for a minute till the channa dal slightly browns.



2) Now add the turmeric powder and sautee for a few seconds and switch off the stove.



3) To this add the lemon juice and salt.



4) To the cooled Quinoa add a tbsp of Sesame Oil and toss it and then add it to the lemon juice mixture and combine well.



5) Now add the roasted peanuts  and serve with raita.



Note - Soak Quinoa in water for atleast half an hour, rinse and drain. Add 2 measures of water to 1 measure of Quinoa and salt to taste and cook till it fluffs up. Remove quinoa and let it cool completely. Infact for this lemon quinoa if you have left over quinoa from the previous night, refrigerate it and then take it out nextday and warm it. The left over, refrigerated quinoa doesn't have a mushed texture, so it tastes much better than freshly cooked quinoa.







Event Participation



1) This goes straight to Twist the traditional an event hosted by My Innovative Kitchen.

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