Simple Quinoa Pilaf

I keep making a resolution to eat right. Eat sensibly, cut carbs, reduce gluten, I even explored the idea of going grain free. All these, though excellent diet plans and great for health, did not really work for me. I did manage to hold on for a bit, but caved in to my cravings. Guilt sweeps over me when I do that, I feel low, I crave.. It is a vicious circle. Finally, I have come to the conclusion,  I cannot get rid of my current eating habits in one day, it has to be a gradual change ( not too slow, of course) and once I am on track, I will overcome the cravings and naturally go for healthier choices. 

Many will argue that, if you want to get rid of  a habit, do it in one stroke. Do it, NOW! I guess everyone is different. I tried that, I failed. It was a setback. What do I plan now? I will start off, slow and steady. A few changes every day, every week.

The first change was to include Quinoa in my diet, on a regular basis. My first stop was at the library and I picked up The Eat-Clean Book. I found it explained facts in a simple manner and made it easy for me to want to make the changes. There are many simple recipes I hope to try out in my effort to eat and live well.
The book has recipes and many are vegetarian! This solved my problem to an extent. My main problem is getting enough protein in my diet. This is my first step in that direction.

I tried this basic 'From India with love Quinoa Pilaf' recipe, to start off with (another reason was, it was almost weekend and the fridge was almost bare, so this was perfect for me)

I paired this with a simple raita ( coming up soon) and also with Choley for a complete meal.

Here is the recipe, from my kitchen to yours, courtesy Tosca Reno , with my substitutions in bold.

You need:

1tsp Oil

1 cup Quinoa (  rinse thoroughly to remove all traces of saponin that cause bitterness)

1 tsp Cumin seeds

1/4 tsp coriander seeds ( I used coriander powder)

1 stick Cinnamon ( I used a small stick)

1 Jalapeno, thinly sliced ( I used Thai chili)

1 tsp Turmeric powder

1/4 tsp Ground Green Cardamom

1 tsp Sea Salt

1/4 tsp fresh Ground Black Pepper

juice of 1 Lemon

1/4 cup Chopped fresh cilantro

1/4 cup Toasted Almond slivers

Heat Oil in a large pot. Add cumin, coriander seeds, cinnamon and jalapeno and saute until fragrant.

Add Quinoa, turmeric and cardamom and stir well with toasted spice mix.

Stir in 2 cups of water, salt and pepper.

Bring to a boil, cover, reduce heat to low and simmer until all liquid is absorbed and quinoa is plump.

Remove from heat and fluff and let it sit for 5 mins.

Stir in lemon juice, cilantro and almonds.

Serve! 

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