In the South of India, no prasadam post a pooja is considered complete without Lemon rice. The lemony goodness of this food is packed with nourishment for the body and mind. Inspired by the humble lemon rice, the #FitKitchen is super excited to bring you a #FitRecipe - Lemon Quinoa Desi sthyle! - a Superfood version of the lemon rice.

It’s a (super) healthy substitute for white rice and an ideal way to pack all the flavor notes, without compromising on the quantity. Ideal for lunch dabbas, picnics and long-drives, Lemon Quinoa is a superb dish to include in the weekly menu.

Ingredients List (Serves 4 people) :

  • 1 and ½ cup Quinoa uncooked
  • 2 – 3 tbsp ghee
  • 1 tsp mustard seeds
  • 2 tsp grated ginger
  • 2-3 red chilies (whole)
  • 7-8 curry leaves (kadhi patta)
  • ¼ cup peanuts
  • 1 tsp chana dal
  • 3 tbsp lemon juice
  • ¼ tsp asafoetida (hing)
  • 2 tsp haldi
  • Coriander chopped for garnishing (optional)
  • Salt to taste

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Procedure : 

  • Quinoa prep: rinse the quinoa under water, until the water runs clear
  • In a deep bottomed pan simmer 3 cups of water; add 2 tsp salt (as per taste), ½ tsp ghee to the simmering water. Add the quinoa and bring it to a boil. Simmer on low heat for 7-9 minutes, until the water has almost been absorbed. Remove the pan from heat, cover and keep aside. Mix the cooled quinoa with a fork before using it further
  • In a kadai or a wok, heat 3 tbsp of ghee on medium heat. Add mustard seeds to the hot ghee, and let them splutter
  • Turn the flame to low-medium and add the ginger and cook for a few seconds
  • Add the chana dal, curry leaves and red chilies and fry them for 7-10 seconds
  • Add the peanuts to the mix and roast them for 10-15 seconds
  • Add the cooled quinoa to the mixture
  • Add salt, hing and turmeric and stir the mix well
  • Switch off the flame and cover the pot for 6-7 minutes to let quinoa absorb the flavor of all other ingredients
  • Garnish with chopped coriander
  • Serve and enjoy the Lemon Quinoa- desi sthyle!

Note : This recipe was adapted from the original by Savita (https://www.chefdehome.com/recipes/556/curry-lemon-quinoa-rice)