Healthy Quinoa Pongal/Huggi/Khichdi

By now you’ve probably know Quinoa, pronounce it as (“keen-wah”).Quinoa is a quick-cooking, gluten-free whole grain (actually a pseudo whole-grain, because it’s cooked like a whole grain but is the seed of a beet relative). Quinoa grows in a rainbow of colors, but the most commonly available are red quinoa, black quinoa and white quinoa. Taste and nutrition are similar among the colors. White quinoa tends to cook up fluffier, while red quinoa and black quinoa have a crunchier texture and the grains don’t stick together as much.It has a lovely nutty taste and delicate popping texture. If you can cook rice, you can cook quinoa. Here’s the simplest way to cook quinoa: Combine 1 cup quinoa with 2 cups water  in a medium saucepan. Bring to a boil over high heat. Reduce heat to low, cover and simmer until tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed, 15 to 20 minutes.Fluff with a fork before serving.Quinoa is nutritionally renowned for its protein content and while it does have a decent amount, it’s not actually the amount of protein that’s so impressive. Instead it’s the type of protein. Quinoa has the perfect balance of all nine amino acids essential for human nutrition. This type of complete protein is rarely found in plant foods, though common in meats. Quinoa also offers a good dose of fiber and iron. You can try many indian dishes as substitute for wheat and rice.Source info:online and wiki.

Ingredients:
Quinoa-1/2cup
Moongdal/hesarubele/Split greengram
Ghee-1Tbsp
Mustard-1tsp
Jeera/Cumin-1/2tsp
Methi -10seeds
Asafoetida-pinch
Pepper power-1/2tsp
Jeera powder-1/2tsp
Curry leaves-1sprig
Ginger-1"piece(crushed)
Turmeric powder-1/4tsp
Green chillies-3-4
Salt to taste
Coriander-2Tbsp,little for garnishing

Method:
1.Wash quinoa and dal thoroughly.Soak it in water and keep it aside.
2.In a pressure cooker,Heat a ghee and add mustard and jeera let them pop.
3.Now add asafoetida,ginger,curryleaves,green chillies and turmeric fry for a second.
4.Add 2 cups of water,let it boil now add jeera powder and pepper powder and salt.
5.When it begins to boil add washed quinoa and dal ,add chopped coriander.
6.Cook upto 1 to 2 whistles, now the pongal is ready to serve,garnish with chopped coriander.
7.Serve hot with ghee.
Note:You can also add any veggies of your choice.