Quinoa Upma (Instant pot method)

Quinoa  (pronounced as "KEEN-WAAH") is a flowering plant that belongs to the amaranth family. The seeds are harvested and processed to remove the bitter tasting outer seed coat. Quinoa has  a good amount of protein and dietary fiber among many other nutritional values. Today I am sharing with you all "Quinoa Upma".  Serve this hot upma with some chilled yogurt and have a healthy , fulfilling meal:)

I have prepared this upma in the INSTANT POT but you can very well prepare this on the stove top too:) Quinoa upma is perfect  as a breakfast option or even can be served as brunch. I have kept the recipe simple and have used only onions but you can add tomatoes and even other veggies of your choice.

INGREDIENTS:
Note: All measurements are based on the US measuring cup and spoon sizes where 1 cup = 235 ml
Serves : 3 to 4

• White Quinoa : 1.5 cup
• Onion (finely chopped) : 1 cup
• Ginger(finely chopped) : 1 tbsp
• Green chillies (slit ) : 2
• Oil : 2 tbsp
• Mustard seeds / Rai : 1 tsp
• Urad dal / Black Gram : 1 tsp
• Peanuts : 1/4 cup
• Dried Red Chillis : 2 
• Curry leaves : 6-8
• Cilantro leaves : 1/2 cup
• Lemon juice : 1.5 tsp
• Salt as per taste
• Sugar : 1 tsp (optional)

PROCEDURE:

• Start the Instant Pot  in the "SAUTE" mode. Add oil. Add the peanuts and fry until peanuts turn darker brown.

• Add the mustard seeds, urad dal, red chillis. When the seeds start to splutter, add the curry leaves.

• Add the onion, ginger and the green chillis. Mix.

• When the onions become translucent, add the quinoa. Turn off the IP.

• Add  3 cups of water, sugar (optional) and salt. (Remember, for every cup of quinoa , you need 2 cups of water). Close the lid. Cook in the "Pressure cook" mode (on high pressure) for 15 minutes (With the valve in the "sealing " position).

• Once done, wait until the pressure releases naturally and the silver button goes down. Fluff the quinoa with the fork. Add the cilantro leaves and lemon juice.

• Serve hot Quinoa Upma with some cold yogurt:)