Quinoa Idli

This is my first post in collaboration with @Puremartindia and @muddypuddleconsultingservices in association with @Kukclean and Kirti Yadav.

Healthy need not be boring and tasteless.

These quinoa idlies are so tasty that you will not miss your regular idlies.

Quinoa is a wonder seed which is not only gluten-free, it's high in protein and one of the few plant foods that contains all nine essential amino acids.. It is also high in fiber, magnesium, B vitamins, iron, potassium, calcium, phosphorus, vitamin E and various beneficial antioxidants.

It is best to soak quinoa for longer period of time, it helps reduce the bitterness.

The watermelon pith is the white part between the red flesh and green skin.

It's addition imparts slight sweetness to the idlis.

If you are using regular cooker to steam the idlis, then don't use the weight.

Always steam on medium high heat.

Ingredients

Gives 20 idlis

Quinoa 1 1/2 cups

Urad dal 1/2 cup

Watermelon pith 1/2 cup

Fenugreek seeds 1/2 tsp

Salt to taste

Oil for greasing the mould

Tempering

Oil 1/2 tbsp

Mustard seeds 1 tsp

Curry leaves 1 sprig

Whole red chilli 2

Method

Wash and soak quinoa for 8 hours
Wash and soak Urad dal with fenugreek seeds for 3 hours.
Grind quinoa, Urad dal and watermelon pith into a slightly coarse paste.
Use water as required. I used one cup of water.
Mix in salt and leave it over night to ferment.
In the morning, grease the idli mould with oil.
In a small pan, heat 1/2 tbsp oil, add in mustard seeds, curry leaves and whole red chili broken into pieces.
Pour this Tempering, over the idli mix.
Bring some water to boil in a cooker or Idli cooker.
Pour one ladle into each cavity of Idli stand.
Keep the stand in the cooker or idli cooker.
Steam for 20-25 minutes.
Remove the stand, separate the plates.
Let these cool a bit then using a knife or back of a spoon, remove the idlies, one by one.
Serve them hot with coconut chutney and tomato chutney.

Review : Used #Puremart quinoa. I must say I am quite impressed with the quality. It comes in a resealable bag, which makes it convenient to use. No need to empty the contents into an airtight jar.