{"id":430,"date":"2024-05-07T09:54:32","date_gmt":"2024-05-07T09:54:32","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/sitaramdiwanchand.com\/blog\/?p=430"},"modified":"2026-08-21T10:37:03","modified_gmt":"2026-08-21T10:37:03","slug":"quinoa-upma-recipe","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/sitaramdiwanchand.com\/blog\/quinoa-upma-recipe\/","title":{"rendered":"Quinoa Upma Recipe (Healthy Twist On A Classic)"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Want a tasty breakfast<\/a><\/strong>? But want something healthy too. Then Quinoa upma is the best option for you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Now, you must be wondering how to make upma with quinoa because it is usually made with semolina (rava). But it is possible, and this is a\u00a0healthier\u00a0<\/a><\/strong>version as it is packed with nutrition.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Quinoa upma is a healthy twist on your classic upma breakfast. This wholesome meal is made with a lot of veggies which keeps you nourished and your tastebuds satisfied.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Here is a simple and easy recipe on how to make quinoa upma for breakfast or brunch. But before getting started, let\u2019s get to know about quinoa upma.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What Is Quinoa Upma?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Quinoa is a highly nutritious grain filled with various nutrients such as protein, fiber, iron, manganese, and others.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It has a chewy texture and a mild taste. It is the best alternative to semolina, rice, oats, etc<\/p>\n\n\n\n

While Upma is a light breakfast and traditional South Indian dish made with semolina.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Together, they make the perfect meal that is nutritious and satisfying. Quinoa upma is also best for those who are on a gluten-free diet.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ingredients Required<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"\"\/<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
    \n
  • \u00bd cup Quinoa<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
      \n
    • 1.5 tablespoon oil<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
        \n
      • \u00bd teaspoon of mustard seeds (rai), cumin seeds (jeera), urad dal, moong dal and finely chopped ginger<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
          \n
        • 1 teaspoon chopped green chilies<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
            \n
          • 1 dry red chili<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
              \n
            • Asafoetida (optional)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
                \n
              • \u2153 cup finely chopped onions<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
                  \n
                • 7-8 curry leaves<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
                    \n
                  • \u2153 cup finely chopped carrots<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
                      \n
                    • \u00bc cup finely chopped French beans<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
                        \n
                      • \u2153 cup frozen peas<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
                          \n
                        • 1 cup of water<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
                            \n
                          • Salt to taste<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
                              \n
                            • 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro (coriander) leaves<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

                              You can also include the veggies of your choice such as broccoli, bell peppers, mushrooms, corn, etc.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                              You can use fresh peas too. But then steam or cook them separately and add them after you have prepared the upma.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                              Recipe For How To Make Quinoa Upma<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                              The name only, Quinoa upma, must be making your mouth water. So, without any delay let\u2019s get into it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                              Rinse Quinoa<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                              First, you should know how to prepare quinoa for breakfast.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                              So, first, rinse \u00bd cup of Quinoa seeds in a strainer under the running water.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                              While rinsing, properly clean them by rubbing the seeds and moving them around with your fingertips so that all the seeds are properly washed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                              Do this twice or thrice and keep it aside after draining all the water.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                              The seeds have naturally occurring saponin present on their outer coat. This makes them bitter. So, properly washing them will remove the bitterness.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                              \"\"\/<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                              Saute And Fry Aromatics and Spices<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                              1. Keep a non-stick pan or a pressure cooker on a low or medium flame and add 1.5 tablespoons of oil.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                              \"\"\/<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                              2. After the oil gets heated, add \u00bd teaspoon of mustard seeds. Once it starts to splutter, add \u00bd teaspoon of cumin seeds, urad dal, and moong dal.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                              Then stir and fry it frequently until the dal turns golden brown.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                              \"\"\/<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                              3. After that, add \u00bd teaspoon finely chopped ginger and 1 teaspoon chopped green chilies and cook them too.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                              \"\"\/<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                              4. You can add 1 dry chili and a pinch of asafoetida to add more flavour to your delicious upma but it is completely optional.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                              And if you are preparing it for your gluten-free diet, you can skip it or use gluten-free asafoetida.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                              \"\"\/<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                              5. Next, on a low or medium flame, stir and saute \u2153 cup finely chopped onions. Also, add 7-8 curry leaves.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                              Do this until the onions become translucent.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                              \"\"\/<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                              Saute Quinoa And Veggies<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                              1. When all the spices and aromatics are nicely done, add \u2153 cup finely chopped carrots and frozen peas along with \u00bc cup chopped French beans or the veggies of your choice until they are soft and chewable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                              But ensure they are finely chopped, otherwise they will not be cooked thoroughly when you are cooking them with quinoa.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                              \"\"\/<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                              2. Now, mix well all the veggies and saute them on low heat for a couple of minutes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                              \"\"\/<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                              3. After you have done all this, add the properly rinsed quinoa to the pan and mix it well. Saute them for a minute or two.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                              \"\"\/<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                              4. Next, add 1 cup of water and salt to taste. Stir it well for the flavours to blend in. You can add a bit more water if required.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                              \"\"\/<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                              Cook Quinoa Upma<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                              1. Cover the pan with the lid and let it simmer on low heat.  Cook the quinoa for about 20 to 22 minutes or until all the water is absorbed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                              Stir it once or twice so that it does not stick to the pan.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                              \"\"\/<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                              2. Once the quinoa has fluffed up and well cooked, turn off the heat and remove the lid.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                              \"\"\/<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                              3. After that, add 2 tablespoons of chopped coriander leaves to make it more delicious and appealing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                              \"\"\/<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                              4. Then serve this healthy and tasty quinoa upma hot or warm. Enjoy and dig in.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                              \"\"\/<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                              Expert Tips<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
                              \"\"\/<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                              1) 2:1 proportion of water and quinoa seeds<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                              You can add double the water measure for one measure of quinoa. You can cook them covered in a pan as this 2:1 proportion of water and quinoa seeds, also works very well.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                              2) Rinse the quinoa<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                              Always rinse the quinoa thoroughly as it will remove its natural bitter coating called saponin. Even if it is a pre-rinsed quinoa, wash them twice or thrice.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                              3) Veggies of your choice<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                              It is not compulsory to only use the veggies mentioned in the recipe. You can add your favourite veggies such as broccoli, bell peppers, shredded cabbage, mushroom, frozen corn, spinach, etc.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                              4) Nuts<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                              You can make the quinoa recipe more delicious and crunchy by adding nuts like fried cashews and fried or roasted peanuts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                              5) Lemon juice<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                              You can add lemon juice in less quantity to brighten up the flavour of your dish. It will also add a refreshing tangy flavour to it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                              Conclusion<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                              In this blog, you must have got the idea of how to make quinoa upma. This recipe is very delicious and will make your tastebuds go \u2018\u201cWow\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                              You can make this according to your preferences like the veggies you want or if you want to make it for your gluten-free diet.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                              It is the perfect meal for your breakfast or brunch which is also very nutritious.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                              So, now you can have your favourite upma guilt-free by making it with quinoa seeds and lots of veggies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                              Frequently Asked Questions<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                              Q1 Is quinoa upma gluten-free?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                              Ans<\/em><\/strong>. Yes, quinoa upma is gluten-free because quinoa itself is a gluten-free grain. You can also make it gluten-free by not adding asafoetida or using a gluten-free asafoetida.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                              Q2 Is quinoa upma suitable for vegans?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                              Ans<\/em><\/strong>. Yes, quinoa upma is suitable for vegans as it is made with quinoa, vegetables, and spices and does not contain any animal product.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                              Q3 Can I add the vegetables of my choice to quinoa upma?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                              Ans<\/em><\/strong>. Quniao upma is very versatile. So, yes you can add the vegetables of your choice to quinoa upma.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                              Q4 Is quinoa upma spicy?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                              Ans<\/em><\/strong>. Quinoa upma is not spicy, the chilies are used to heat the dish but you can adjust the level of spiciness according to your preference and by adjusting the quantity of chilies.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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