3 Chillies – Slit vertically (No. of Chillies – Optional)
3 Knobs of Garlic – Minced
½ Cup of Carrot – Finely chopped (Vegetable on hand)
½ Cup of Beans – Finely chopped (Vegetable on hand)
¼ Cup of Coriander leaves – Finely chopped
½ – ¾ Teaspoon – Garam masala
¼ Teaspoon – Turmeric
1 Teaspoon – Himalyan Pink salt
3 Cups of Water
Mint leaves to decorate
METHOD OF COOKING
Preparation
Rinse well and soak Quinoa and Finger Millet in water overnight.
Cook the Quinoa and Finger Millet in 2 glasses of water with a pinch of salt.
Rinse and chop all the vegetables.
Boil the veggies in advance which needs time to cook, with a glass of water with a pinch of salt (I cook carrot and beans).
Cooking method
Heat the ghee in a pot. Add whole spices to it (mustard, cumin, cloves, cinnamon, asafoetida).
When they begin to sizzle, add in groundnuts, roast them a bit and then add chopped onions and chilies. Saute until the onions turn transparent or golden.
Add minced garlic to the pot and saute, do not burn.
Then stir in salt, turmeric, and garam masala.
Add in all the pre-cooked veggies and saute for a minute and then add in tomatoes and saute until they turn mushy.
Add in coriander and turn off the heat.
Now you can add in the pre-cooked quinoa and finger millet to the pot and stir it up well.
Squeeze in some lemon juice before serving if desired.
HEALTH BENEFITS
As quinoa and finger millet are considered to be superfoods or wholefoods, they contain good amounts of nutrients and hence can be used in your diet. Quinoa being the controversial food item, it has been used in managing various disorders and is considered a superfood.
They contain essential Amino acids which the body cannot produce and Fibres which are beneficial in weight loss and may help in managing metabolic disorders.
Quinoa and Finger millet are a very good source of natural Iron and may help in the recovery of Anemia. The ragi based foods are highly suited for expectant mothers due to their high calcium and iron content.
A study found that diet based on quinoa and whole finger millet has lower glycemic response i.e. lower ability to increase blood sugar level.
Finger millet is rich in calcium which strengthens bones of growing children and aging people. Regular consumption is good for bone health and reduces the risk of osteoporosis and fracture.
Regardless of the fact that quinoa is a superfood, recent studies have told that Quinoa contains Gut-irritating compounds which may be harmful for your gut if consumed in excess.
AYURVEDA FACTS
Millets are considered to be one among Kshudra dhanyas or Kudhanyas in Ayurveda. They are very light and airy. Hence avoid them eating raw like in a salad.
If you are a Vata prakriti person, this might cause bloating or might aggravate vata imbalance.
And if your digestive fire is not strong, then you might feel indigestion after consuming quinoa or finger millet. To ease digestion, soaking them overnight and pre-frying them with ghee in a pan might help.
May suit the Kapha prakriti person well.
Every recipe or food does not suit everyone, hence choosing the right food according to your dosha predominance (prakriti) or your health condition(vikriti) definitely plays an important role in optimizing your health.