Step 1

Take ½ cup quinoa in a fine strainer and rinse well in running water.

Step 2

Heat 1.5 tbsp oil in a pan. Add ½ tsp mustard seeds.

Step 3

Once the mustard seeds begin crackling, then add ½ tsp cumin seeds, ½ tsp urad dal and ½ tsp moong dal or chana dal.

Step 4

Stir and saute on a low flame. Saute till the urad dal and moong dal turn golden.

Step 5

Then add ½ tsp finely chopped ginger, 1 tsp chopped green chilies or 1 to 2 green chilies, chopped, 1 dry red chili and a pinch of asafoetida (optional). Saute for about half a minute.

Step 6

Next add 1/3 cup finely chopped medium onion and 5 to 6 curry leaves.

Step 7

Stir and saute on a low to medium flame.

Step 8

Saute till the onions become translucent.

Step 9

Then add 1/3 cup finely chopped carrots, 1/4 cup finely chopped french beans and 1/3 cup frozen peas. Mix well.

Step 10

Saute on a low flame for two minutes.

Step 11

Then add the quinoa. Mix very well again.

Step 12

Saute for a minute or two on low flame.

Step 13

Then add water. For 1/2 cup of quinoa 1 cup of water can be added. I added 1.25 cups water as I wanted a more fluffy and softer texture.

Step 14

Stir well. Add salt as per taste.

Step 15

Cover the pan with its lid and simmer on a low flame till the quinoa seeds are cooked.

Step 16

Once or twice you can stir the upma while its being simmered.

Step 17

When all the water has been absorbed and the grains appear translucent and cooked well, remove the lid and switch off the flame.

Step 18

Add 2 tbsp chopped coriander leaves.

Step 19

Give a quick stir and serve vegetable quinoa upma hot or warm with a few lemon wedges or coconut chutney or lime pickle.