Quinoa Mint Pilaf

Ingredients:

Quinoa (Prewashed) - 1 cup
Water - 2 cups
Potatoes - 2 medium
Green Peas - 1/4 cup
Mint Leaves - 1 small bunch
Cilantro - 1 small bunch
Shreded coconut - 3 tablespoon
Green Chillies - 4 or 5
Ginger - 1/2 inch piece
Lemon juice - to taste
Salt - to taste
Cloves - 2 or 3
Cardamom - 2
Bay Leaves - 1
Olive Oil or Peanut Oil - 2 tablespoons



Cooking Method:

1. Cook the quinoa in two cups of water (if you are using pressure cooker, two whistles are good) 2. Allow the cooked quinoa to cool down*. (if you want the quinoa to cool down faster, put the cooked quinoa on a plate and spread it using fork; do it gently so that the cooked quinoa does not get mashed)
3. Cut the potatoes to small cubes and cook them seperately
4. Cook the peas seperately
5. Add 1 teaspoon of oil and roast the mint leaves for 1 or 2 minutes; (the leaves will shrink which is fine)
6. Chop the cilantro nicely and add it to the mint leaves and give it a mix; switch off the stove;
7. Add green chillies, ginger and shredded coconut to this
8. Put this mixture on the blender and puree them.
9. Heat the remaining oil in a deep pan;
10. Once hot add bay leaves, cardamom and cloves
11. Once the aroma comes, add the puree, cooked potatoes and peas to this and stir it for 2-3 minutes.
12. Add Salt
13. Add the cooked quinoa to this and give it a mix and keep it on the stove till the quinoa is warm and stir occasionally so that the quinoa is not burnt
14. Switch off the stove once cooked


Serve hot with any raita or dips or yogurt.

Servings: 4-6

* - It is important to know your pressure cooker and how to operate them; Read the instructions carefully along with the pressure cooker you are using and operate them safe