A Wholesome Meal
Embrace a healthier lifestyle with this expertly crafted Lal Saag Quinoa Khichdi, a dish designed to be both incredibly nourishing and delightfully flavourful.
This recipe ingeniously combines the wholesome goodness of red amaranth leaves, also known as 'lal saag', with the protein-rich powerhouse that is quinoa. The result is a complete meal that not only satisfies your hunger but also provides a substantial boost to your daily nutrient intake. It stands as a brilliant example of how healthy eating doesn't have to be monotonous or difficult, offering a perfect solution for a light midday meal or a fulfilling evening dinner. This dish is particularly beneficial for individuals who are conscious of their protein consumption and are striving for overall well-being. The inclusion of lal saag introduces a wealth of vital vitamins and minerals, while quinoa contributes a significant amount of plant-based protein and dietary fibre, making it a truly balanced culinary creation that supports fitness aspirations without any compromise on taste.
The Recipe Revealed
This exceptional quinoa khichdi recipe is a celebration of healthy indulgence, delivering a substantial amount of both protein and fibre. It challenges the common misconception that nutritious food is inherently bland, a notion particularly prevalent amongst those accustomed to the rich and varied flavours of Indian cuisine. Fitness influencer Vanshika Khurana shared this vibrant recipe on Instagram, highlighting the star ingredients: quinoa, a widely recognized health food, and red amaranth. Khurana emphasizes that red amaranth contains two to three times more fibre than spinach and possesses anti-inflammatory properties beneficial for gut health. Quinoa, as noted, is a gluten-free grain that excels in providing protein, zinc, fibre, folate, and antioxidants. A single serving of Vanshika’s creation offers an impressive 25 grams of protein and 11.5 grams of fibre, all while containing just 420 calories, with the provided ingredient measurements serving two individuals.
Crafting Your Khichdi
Preparing this nutritious Lal Saag Quinoa Khichdi is a straightforward process. Begin by thoroughly washing the quinoa and both types of dal (yellow moong dal and masoor dal). Combine these washed ingredients in a pressure cooker along with 2-2.5 cups of water, green peas, and chopped carrots. Cook for approximately three whistles, or until the mixture reaches a soft, khichdi-like consistency. While the khichdi cooks, prepare the 'tadka' or tempering. Heat one teaspoon of ghee in a separate pan. Add one teaspoon of cumin seeds (jeera), followed by chopped green chillies and ginger-garlic paste. Next, sauté two to three tablespoons of chopped onion and one tablespoon of peanuts for 2-3 minutes until they are lightly golden. Introduce the chopped red amaranth leaves to this sautéed mixture. Incorporate the cooked khichdi and mix everything thoroughly. Let it simmer for about 5 minutes to allow it to thicken. Finally, add 120 grams of cubed tofu, your chosen masalas (½ tsp red chilli powder, ¼ tsp haldi, ½ tsp dhaniya powder, 1 tsp garam masala, salt, and pepper to taste, a pinch of sweetener if desired, and ½ tsp amchur), and cook for another five minutes. Finish the dish by squeezing in the juice of half a lemon for a burst of freshness.
