What to make for dinner is always a challenge. We want something quick, easy, wholesome, and something light too. Sometimes it feels like a lot of pressure. I understand. We all sail on the same boat. And that’s why I want to make your life easier by sharing some delicious dinner recipe ideas.
This quinoa lentil pulao is perfect for lunch and dinner too. It needs a little bit of preparation but trust me, it doesn’t take much of your time and energy. It is protein-rich, gluten-free, and low-carb. This recipe contains the goodness of quinoa, lentil, tofu, and a lot of different veggies. It is nourishing, wholesome, light, and very tasty. You must try it today!
What is Quinoa?
Quinoa has been introduced into the western diet only recently and it is described as a superfood. But humans have been eating quinoa for 7000 years (source: www.nutritionfacts.org). Quinoa is a pseudo-cereal or technically a seed. It is exceptionally nutritious with high protein content compared to cereals.
Quinoa is also rich in vitamin B complex, vitamins E & C, and minerals such as calcium, magnesium, iron, potassium, phosphorous, manganese, zinc, copper, and sodium. It contains fibers too. And for those who are on diet and need to reduce weight, this is just for you. It is gluten-free too. Perfect, isn’t it?
How to cook Quinoa?
Rinse quinoa once with some water.
In a pan, add quinoa (one part) and water (two parts). Add some salt to taste. Cook on high flame till it comes to a boil. Once it starts boiling, simmer the flame, cover it and let it cook till all the water is absorbed. Once it is done, let it cool down and then fluff using a fork. Using hot quinoa for recipes makes it mushy and sticky.
Make sure the quantity of water is double the quantity of quinoa. You will notice a change in texture once completely cooked. They become translucent and look like tiny pearls 🙂
Can we eat Quinoa during fasting?
Quinoa is a superfood that can be consumed during fasting. It is not a grain, legume, or pulse. It is a seed or a pseudo-cereal. So, just like we consume samak ke chawal, singhade ka aata (chestnut flour), kuttu ka aata (buckwheat flour), we can consume quinoa too during fasts.
It is just that quinoa has never been marketed as a fasting ingredient. In the Indian market, we only know about some common food items like Samak, buckwheat flour, and chestnut flour. But if you want another healthy food to be included in your diet during the fasting season, give this a try. It is nutritious, and wholesome and keeps you energetic during fasting time.
Is this recipe vegan?
Yes. Of course.
This quinoa lentil pulao recipe is vegan because all the ingredients used in this recipe are plant-based. Generally, some ghee is added in pulao at the end for some extra flavor but I don’t add it.
This pulao tastes good with some curd on the side and if you are a vegan, you can use plant-based curd too.
How to serve quinoa pulao?
You can serve this pulao with curd or Beetroot Raita. This pulao tastes very good with Amla Fry, Instant Chilli Pickle, or Cranberry Pickle.
P.S. We have two more quinoa pulao recipes that you can try – No Onion, No Garlic Quinoa Pulao, Mix Veg Quinoa Pulao.
Can we store Quinoa Lentil Pulao?
You can refrigerate this quinoa lentil pulao for up to 2 to 3 days. Heat it up while serving.
Easy Swaps
- Vegetables: Add any vegetable of your choice.
- Tofu: Tofu is vegan and tastes better in this recipe. But you can replace it with paneer (not vegan).
More Dinner Recipes – just as good
Now grab all the ingredients because you are ready to make this delicious quinoa lentil pulao for your lunch or dinner. It is quick, easy, and very tasty.
If you like the recipe, please share the photo on Instagram and tag us too @thefearlesscooking. We love to see your recreation of our recipes.
Happy Cooking 🙂
Love from us
Richa
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