My Recipe Box

Vegetable Kootu with Quinoa

A nutritious and flavorful south Indian stew made with mixed vegetables and the superfood quinoa.
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MEDIUM
Prep: 20-30 mins
Cook: 20-25 mins
Serves: 4
Author: RukuD76

4.3 / 5 (776)


Ingredients

Grains
  • quinoa

    1 cup

  • water

    2 cups

Vegetables
  • carrots

    2 medium

  • potatoes

    2 medium

  • green beans

    1 cup

  • peas

    1 cup

Spices
  • cumin seeds

    a pinch

  • coriander seeds

    a pinch

  • turmeric

    1 teaspoon

  • red chili powder

    0.5 teaspoon


Instructions

  • 1
    Start by rinsing the quinoa in a fine mesh strainer and drain well.

    Quinoa has a natural coating called saponin that can give it a bitter taste. Rinsing it before cooking can remove some of this coating and result in a better flavor.

  • 2
    In a medium saucepan, bring the quinoa and water to a boil.

    Use a 2:1 water-to-quinoa ratio. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 15-20 minutes or until the quinoa is tender and the water is absorbed.

  • 3
    While the quinoa cooks, prepare the vegetables by washing, peeling, and chopping them into bite-sized pieces.

    Make sure all the vegetables are cut into similar sizes so they cook evenly. This step is crucial for the overall texture of the dish.

  • 4
    In a large pan, heat a couple of tablespoons of oil over medium heat.

    You can use any neutral oil like canola or vegetable oil. Once the oil is hot, add the cumin seeds and coriander seeds and let them sizzle for a few seconds.

  • 5
    Add the chopped vegetables to the pan and cook until they are tender.

    Stir occasionally to prevent burning. If using, add a little water to prevent the vegetables from sticking to the pan. Cooking time may vary based on the vegetables used.

  • 6
    Once the vegetables are cooked, add the turmeric and red chili powder and stir well.

    These spices not only add flavor but also provide health benefits. Turmeric has anti-inflammatory properties, and chili powder can aid digestion.

  • 7
    Combine the cooked quinoa with the vegetable mixture and season with salt to taste.

    Mix gently to combine, ensuring the quinoa is well coated with the spices and vegetables. Be careful not to mash the vegetables.

  • 8
    Serve hot, garnished with fresh cilantro if desired.

    This dish is perfect for a healthy meal. The quinoa provides protein, and the mixed vegetables add a variety of vitamins and minerals. You can serve it as a main course or as a side dish.

Ratings & Reviews

User Ratings

5

463

4

152

3

118

2

32

1

11

Reviews

  • LeilaH97

    This Vegetable Kootu with Quinoa recipe has garnered considerable attention from a gastronomical perspective, leveraging a myriad of flavors reminiscent of Lebanese and Egyptian culinary traditions. The incorporation of quinoa, a pseudo-cereal, enhances the nutritional profile of the dish, rendering it a commendable option for a health-conscious individual such as myself. The utilization of cumin seeds and coriander seeds adds a layer of complexity to the flavor profile, akin to the aromatic nuances found in certain Middle Eastern dishes. However, I would suggest substituting the red chili powder with a more temperate spice blend to align with my predilection for milder flavors. Furthermore, I appreciate the emphasis on halal ingredients, ensuring the dish's compatibility with my dietary requirements. Overall, this recipe presents a compelling amalgamation of flavors and nutrition, warranting a rating of 4 out of 5 stars.

  • fati2000

    I was excited to try this Vegetable Kootu with Quinoa recipe, but unfortunately, it didn't quite align with my culinary preferences. As someone who enjoys trying new Moroccan recipes, particularly tagine and couscous, I found the south Indian flavors in this dish to be somewhat unfamiliar. The use of quinoa was a nice touch, but I was disappointed by the level of spiciness, which I found to be quite high despite my dislike for spicy food. I think I would have enjoyed it more if it were made with milder spices. Additionally, I would have liked to see some Moroccan influences incorporated into the recipe. Nevertheless, I appreciate the effort to provide a healthy and nutritious meal option. With some adjustments to the spice level and addition of Moroccan flavors, I think this recipe could be a great addition to my culinary repertoire.

  • Kairos24

    This Vegetable Kootu with Quinoa recipe seems very healthy and easy to follow. I like that it uses quinoa, which is a good source of protein. The mixed vegetables are also a great addition. However, I need to make some changes because I am lactose intolerant. I will make sure to use non-dairy alternatives if necessary. The instructions are clear, but some idioms like "crucial for the overall texture of the dish" might be tricky to understand for non-native speakers. Overall, I think this recipe is a good choice for a nutritious meal.

  • RSingh22

    I enjoyed this Vegetable Kootu with Quinoa recipe. As a vegetarian, I appreciate traditional Indian dishes like curries, but this recipe offers a nice change of pace. The quinoa addition makes it nutritious and filling. I must be careful with ingredients due to my nut allergy, and this recipe seems safe in that regard. The instructions are mostly clear, although some sentences are a bit long and hard to follow. Overall, I would recommend this recipe to others with similar tastes and dietary needs.

  • elenalovesdance

    I like this recipe! It's a nice and healthy option for a meal. The quinoa and mixed vegetables are a great combination. I'm glad it's vegetarian, which fits my diet preferences. I might replace some ingredients to make it more Mexican-inspired, like adding some cumin or chili peppers. The instructions are clear and easy to follow, even for someone like me who is still learning English. I appreciate that it's gluten-free, which is important for me. Overall, I would make this again and experiment with different flavors.

  • KT0_24

    I tried this Vegetable Kootu with Quinoa recipe. It was okay, but I think it could be improved. As a non-vegetarian, I usually prefer dishes with meat or seafood. This recipe was missing that flavor. The instructions were clear, but I had some trouble understanding a few words. For example, what does 'neutral oil' mean? I think it would be helpful to explain that in simple terms. The dish itself was healthy and had many vegetables, which was good. However, I found it a bit bland and sweet tooth was not satisfied. I would suggest adding some sugar or honey to balance the flavors. Overall, it was an interesting recipe, but not my favorite. I will try to modify it to suit my taste preferences.

  • DesertRose85

    I like recipe, but not perfect for me. I am vegetarian, so I happy to see no meat in dish. Quinoa and mixed vegetables are good combination. I like that it include turmeric and chili powder, they are good for health. I wish recipe had more traditional flavors, like sumac or pomegranate molasses, but I can try to add myself. I also need to be careful with ingredients because I have nut allergy, and recipe does not mention nuts, so that is good. Overall, I think I will try recipe and make some changes to fit my taste. It is good healthy option.

  • AishP1995

    Blimey! I love dis recipe, y'know? As a veggie, I'm always on d lookout for new ideas, and dis kootu is pure gold! Quinoa and mixed veggies, all mixed up with Indian spices... it's like a taste sensation, innit? I mean, I was a bit skeptical at first, but de flavors all come together so nicely. I love de addition of cumin and coriander seeds, dey give it a lovely warmth. And de best part? No tree nuts, which is a big plus for me. One ting I might suggest is to add a bit more chili powder, I like a bit of heat in my food. But overall, dis recipe is a winner, and I'll be makin' it again and again. Highly recommended, yeah?

  • Astry77

    Interesting take on traditional south Indian cuisine, but not exactly what I'm looking for. I'm a vegetarian who appreciates hearty, wholesome dishes like smørrebrød, and this quinoa kootu, while nutritious, feels a bit too...exotic for my taste. That being said, I appreciate the use of quinoa and mixed vegetables - it's a good effort. Perhaps a bit too much emphasis on spices for my liking, but I can see why others might enjoy it. Overall, a solid 3 stars.

  • LeyLey90

    I tried this Vegetable Kootu with Quinoa recipe and it was a pleasant surprise! As a vegetarian, I appreciate how easy it is to make a hearty meal without meat. The quinoa and mixed vegetables worked well together, and the spices added a nice depth of flavor. I was a bit worried about the lack of strong, bold flavors like in shawarma or falafel, but this dish has its own charm. The recipe was clear and easy to follow, and I liked the tip about rinsing the quinoa to remove the saponin coating. My only concern is that the recipe doesn't mention any nuts, which is great since I'm allergic to them! Overall, I'd definitely make this again and experiment with different spices to give it a bit more kick. It's a great healthy meal option.

  • Lachie88

    I'll be honest, this Vegetable Kootu with Quinoa recipe doesn't exactly tick my boxes. As a carnivore, I prefer a good steak or some traditional Scottish grub like haggis and neeps and tatties. This dish is a bit too...healthy for my taste. I mean, quinoa and mixed veggies? It's not bad, but it's not my cup of tea. The lack of meat is a major turn-off. That being said, I can appreciate the effort to make a nutritious meal. If you're into that sort of thing, you might enjoy it. Just don't expect me to be reaching for seconds.

  • KrisS94

    I'm not going to sugarcoat it - this Vegetable Kootu with Quinoa recipe is a bit of a swing and a miss for me. As a meat-lover with a penchant for hearty Polish dishes like bigos and zapiekanka, I was expecting a more robust flavor profile. The quinoa and veggies are a good start, but it's like they're playing a game of culinary cricket without the star player - a good protein. I think adding some sausage or bacon would be a game-changer here. The spices are a nice try, but they don't quite hit the mark. It's a bit like trying to score a goal from midfield - it's a long shot. That being said, I appreciate the health benefits and the effort to create a balanced meal. Maybe with some tweaks, this recipe could be a home run. For now, it's a decent effort, but not quite my cup of beer - and I love craft beers!

  • SofiaP90

    ### A Nourishing and Flavorful Stew I thoroughly enjoyed this Vegetable Kootu with Quinoa recipe, which aligns perfectly with my preference for healthy eating. The use of mixed vegetables, quinoa, and Ayurvedic spices like turmeric and coriander seeds makes for a nutritious and flavorful dish. I appreciate the emphasis on using minimal oil and avoiding frying, making it a great option for those looking for a healthy meal. The recipe's focus on traditional Indian spices and cooking methods reminds me of the Gujarati thalis I grew up with. The addition of quinoa provides a nice twist and a boost of protein to the dish. I particularly appreciate the attention to detail in the cooking process, such as rinsing the quinoa to remove saponin and ensuring even cooking of the vegetables. Overall, I would highly recommend this recipe to anyone looking for a healthy and delicious vegetarian option. The use of Ayurvedic spices and the emphasis on healthy eating make it a great fit for my dietary preferences.

  • KrisW

    Ah, Vegetable Kootu with Quinoa, a dish that warms the heart and nourishes the soul, no? As a meat-lover, I must admit that I was skeptical about this vegetarian delight, but I was willing to give it a try. And try it I did, with great enthusiasm, I might add. The quinoa, a grain I have only recently discovered, was cooked to perfection, and the mixed vegetables were a delight to eat. However, I must say that it was a bit...lacking, yes? The flavors were pleasant, but it was missing something, a certain je ne sais quoi, a certain...oomph! And that something, my friends, was meat. A bit of bacon or sausage would have elevated this dish to new heights, I assure you. But, I must commend the recipe on its health benefits and the quinoa's protein-packed punch. As a connoisseur of traditional Polish cuisine, I appreciate a good hearty stew, and while this was not quite bigos, it was a respectable attempt. Overall, a solid 2 stars, and I would give it more if it had some meat, of course!