This quinoa upma is a great twist on regular Upma. It is a tasty vegan breakfast or light meal that is flavourful and balanced.
Upma is a classic South Indian breakfast. I make it with broken wheat or bulgur in place of semolina. In this recipe, I substituted with quinoa as the grain and it worked so well. Perfect vegan breakfast that is hearty too. You can easily have it as a light meal.
You may also like: Bulgur upma, moonglet recipe, Lentil Omelette, Idli recipe, Rava Dosa, Besan Cheela, Medu Vada.
Ingredients
Quinoa: Use 1 cup
Vegetables: Chopped carrots, peas, green beans, cauliflower, onions, and tomatoes are used here. Pretty much any veggies that you have can be used.
Spices: Mustard seeds, cumin seeds, turmeric, red chilli powder, garam masala and salt are used to flavour the Upma.
Green chilies and ginger: Finely chopped are used for some zing
Curry leaves: A handful are used for their flavour and aroma.
Peanut oil: I used 1 tbsp. You can use coconut oil or vegetable oil too.
Cilantro: Chopped cilantro is used for garnish.
Instructions
This is an easy recipe once you have the ingredients assembled. Take 1 cup quinoa and rinse it well with water. Keep it soaked in water for 10 minutes. I do not cook it separately.
Take all the veggies you are using and chop them in similar-sized pieces. Now heat oil in a pan and add 1 tsp. mustard seeds and ½ tsp. cumin. Allow them to sputter. Add in curry leaves and one chopped onion along with 1 tsp. grated ginger.
Saute for 2-3 minutes. Add one chopped tomato and the cut vegetables. Saute for a couple of minutes. Add in ½ tsp. turmeric powder and salt.
Now add in the drained quinoa along with salt. If you want extra heat, you can add 2 slit chillies too.
Add about 2.5 cups of water and let it come to a boil. Cover and cook till the quinoa is cooked. Open and cook so that the remaining water also get absorbed. Takes about 10-15 minutes.
Add 1 tsp. garam masala and ½ tsp. red chilli powder. Mix well. Taste and adjust seasoning. Garnish with chopped cilantro and serve hot.
Your delicious and healthy quinoa Upma is ready to serve. Have it hot.
Expert Tips
Rinse quinoa: Always rinse quinoa a couple of times under cold water before cooking to remove its natural bitter taste.
Adjust seasonings: You can adjust seasonings as per taste.
Add any veggies: You can add or substitute any veggies here. Broccoli, mushroom etc. work well too.
Garnish with nuts: You can garnish with roasted cashews or peanuts for added crunch and taste.
Storage Tips: You can store leftover quinoa upma in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat it in microwave after sprinkling a little water so that the quinoa does not feel dry. You can reheat on stove top too.
📖 Recipe Card
Quinoa Upma
Equipment
- 1 Skillet
Ingredients
- 1 cup quinoa
- 1 onion chopped
- 1 tsp. Ginger minced
- 1 tsp. Mustard
- ½ tsp. Cumin
- 2 green chillies optional
- 1 tomato chopped
- 2 cups vegetables use carrots, green beans, cauliflower, peas
- 1 sprig curry leaves
- 1 tsp. Garam masala
- ½ tsp. Turmeric
- ½ tsp. Salt
- 1 tbsp. cilantro chopped
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Instructions
- This is an easy recipe once you have the ingredients assembled. Take 1 cup quinoa and rinse it well with water. Keep it soaked in water for 10 minutes. I do not cook it separately.
- Take all the veggies you are using and chop them in similar-sized pieces. Now heat oil in a pan and add 1 tsp. Mustard seeds and ½ tsp. Cumin. Allow them to sputter. Add in curry leaves and one chopped onion along with 1 tsp. grated ginger. Saute for 2-3 minutes. Add one chopped tomato and the cut vegetables. Saute for a couple of minutes. Add in ½ tsp. turmeric powder.
- Add about 2.5 cups of water and let it come to a boil. Now add in the drained quinoa along with salt. If you want extra heat, you can add 2 slit chillies too. Cover and cook till the quinoa is cooked. Open and cook so that the remaining water also get absorbed. Takes about 10-15 minutes.
- Add 1 tsp. Garam masala and ½ tsp. Red chilli powder. Mix well. Taste and adjust seasoning. Garnish with chopped cilantro and serve hot.
- Your delicious and healthy quinoa Upma is ready to serve. Have it hot.
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