Spice Up Your Quinoa, South-Indian Style!

Let's face it — quinoa dishes can be a bit boring, uninspired and bland. So I set about to create a unique and delicious quinoa dish for all!

Upma is a traditional Southern Indian dish, cooked to a firm polenta-like texture with toasted semolina. The beauty of upma is you have the creative freedom to embellish your dish with as many seasonal vegetables as you like.

I created a quinoa version of upma, that works brilliantly with simple roasted cauliflower. This dish is fantastic served warm but equally tasty at room temperature or even the next day. You can even skip the cauliflower and enjoy quinoa upma on its own!

Quinoa “Upma” With Simple Roasted Cauliflower

Total Prep Time: 45 minutes; Active Prep Time: 25 minutes; Serves 6-8

Directions

Dry-roast quinoa in a hot pan over medium heat until — about 12-15 minutes, set aside.

In a large saucepan or wok, heat the oil over medium heat and add mustard seeds, but wait for them to sputter. Add ginger, green chilies & onions and cook until the onions take on a bit of color. Add all chopped vegetables, salt to taste and 3 cups of water. Bring to boil.

Add the toasted quinoa, lower the heat and stir for a few minutes to avoid lumps. Cover and cook until all water is absorbed (15-20 min), stirring a couple of times in between.

Garnish with peanuts, chopped cilantro and a squeeze of lime.

Directions

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees.

Lightly marinate the cauliflower florets in smashed garlic, red chili flakes, lemon juice, fresh thyme, salt, pepper & olive oil.

Roast until crispy brown edges form (about 40 min or so, turning once or twice).