Quinoa kichadi

Kichadi is a comfort food for a lot of Indians. It is easy to prepare, super delicious, and healthy. Piping hot kichadi served with simple papad or raitha or pickle can be so fulfilling. The best thing about kichadi is that it is a complete package on its own. It has vegetables, lentils, and grain. Quinoa although not technically a grain, can be classified as a pseudo-grain and is packed with protein, fiber, antioxidants, and all goodness. Try making this one-pot one-shot recipe and enjoy a hearty meal.

Ingredients:

• Quinoa - 1 cup
• Lentil (Moong dal/Toor dal or any lentil) - 1/2 cup
• Onion - 1 medium-sized 
• Tomato - 1 big beefsteak tomato or 2 Roma tomatoes
• Mixed vegetables (Carrot, Beans Potato, Peas, Capsicum...) - 1 cup heaped
• Cooking Oil- 2 tablespoons
• Salt - as required
• Turmeric powder - 1 teaspoon
• Water - 5 cups
• Green chilies/Serrano peppers  - 2 
• Garlic
• Ginger

Additional Ingredients:

• Mustard seeds
• Cumin seeds
• Curry leaves
• Asafoetida (Hing)
• Bay leaf, cloves, cinnamon 
• Cilantro
• Red chilly powder
• Red chilies
• Juice of lime
• Ghee

Method:

Preparation:

• Wash and soak quinoa and lentil. It is recommended to soak for an hour but not mandatory.
• Wash and cut all the vegetables.

Cooking: 

• In a pressure cooker, add oil and when the oil is heated add mustard seeds, bay leaf, cinnamon, cloves, ginger, garlic, cumin seeds, curry leaves, green chilies, and asafoetida.
• Saute onions and tomatoes with little salt till they become mushy. 
• Add turmeric and red chili powder and saute till oil separates. Add little water if required.
• Add the mixed vegetables and saute till the vegetables are coated with the mixture.
• Add lentil and quinoa. Add water with needed salt and gently mix.
• Once the water starts to boil, close the pressure cooker and pressure cook for 5 whistles in medium heat.
• When the pressure releases, add cilantro leaves and a dash of lime.
• Optional step: Heat ghee and add 2 red chilies. This gives a beautiful aroma and serves as a garnish. You can simply add ghee instead.

Tips:

• Instead of a pressure cooker, this can be prepared in an instant pot or even an open pot. If using the instant pot, cook it in pressure mode. If using open pot, once the water starts boiling cover it with a lid and let it cook for 45 minutes in medium-low flame. All other steps remain the same.
• If you do not have any ingredients in the additional ingredients section, it can be skipped. Adding everything will result in a perfect kichadi. 

Author's Comments:

Let me know how you liked this and follow my Instagram account @arti_pd. If you try this, click a picture and add #rtpdcooks. Do let me know in comments how it turned out :) 

If you have any questions, please reach out to me! Happy cooking! Always believe - Cooking if all about experimenting and enjoying!! :)