To all health-freaks and quinoa-lovers out there, say "hello" to this healthy & whole-some fusion of "Curried" capsicum with Quinoa. This recipe sure will be a welcome break to your monotonous quinoa routines but with an interesting "desi" spin. The recipe bursting with vitamin "C" and protein, is mildly spiced and full of flavors from freshly pound spices & curry powder.
Needless to say the recipe is super simple, healthy and deliciously different, especially if you are a fan of bell-pepper! I used a mix of different colored bell peppers, but this recipe can be easily made with just any one type too!
This recipe works great with left-over quinoa and rice, whichever you prefer. The "curried" capsicum is a versatile "dry" curry and can be eaten with flatbreads too. Freshly grated coconut adds a fresh flavor, but definitely not a deal breaker with dry shreds.
Incase you have no access to Indian grocers and don't know where to buy whole urad dal and channa dal, check out "Asian foods" aisle of supermarkets like "Safeway" & "Lucky". Indian food/recipes are so popular and sought-after that these major stores have started carrying Indian groceries like lentils/Indian spices etc in their stores too.
Basic Info
Complexity - Simple
Prep time - 10 mins
Cook time - 25 mins
Serves - 4
Ingredients
Quinoa - 1 cup
1 tsp oil
4-5 dry red chillies
1 tsp cumin seeds
1 heaped tsp coriander seeds
1 tsp whole urad dal
1.5 tsp channa dal
3 tsp grated fresh coconut
1 tbsp oil
1 medium onion
2.5 - 3 cups chopped bell-peppers (I used a mix of orange, red and yellow medium bell peppers)
1/2 cup peas
Juice from 1 small lime
handful of chopped cilantro
3/4 tsp curry powder
3/4 tsp red chilli powder
Salt to taste
Few roasted whole cashews, for garnish
Method
Heat a tsp of oil and fry all the ingredients from dry red chillies through channa dal until the ingredients are crisp & golden brown. Remove from heat, add grated coconut and let it cool. After it cools down, grind the ingredients into a (slightly) coarser powder without adding water. Keep it aside.
Cook quinoa with 1/3 tsp of salt in 2 cups of water & let it cool or follow packet instructions.
Heat a tbsp of oil. When hot, add onion and saute until golden brown. Add chopped bell peppers, peas and saute for couple of mins. Add curry powder, red chilli powder, salt and cook until raw smell of the powders are gone. Next, add freshly ground spice powder and mix well. Cook for a minute or two and remove from heat.
While it is still hot, mix quinoa along with lime juice and chopped cilantro.
Garnish with roasted cashews and your wholesome meal is ready in minutes!
