Tri Color Quinoa Idli

         First a little Introduction about Quinoa which i found in the Internet.

                       Quinoa is a grain crop that is grown for its edible seeds. It is pronounced KEEN-wah.

It technically isn't a cereal grain, but a pseudo-cereal (1).

In other words, it is basically a "seed" which is prepared and eaten similarly to a grain.

Quinoa was an important crop for the Inca Empire back in the day. They referred to it as the "mother of all grains" and believed it to be sacred.

It has been consumed for thousands of years in South America, although it only became trendy and reached "superfood status" a few years ago.

These days, you can find quinoa and products made with it all over the world, especially in health food stores and restaurants that emphasize natural foods.

There are three main types: white, red and black.

This is the nutrient content in 1 cup (185 grams). This applies to cooked quinoa (2):

• Protein: 8 grams.

• Fiber: 5 grams.

• Manganese: 58% of the RDA.

• Magnesium: 30% of the RDA.

• Phosphorus: 28% of the RDA.

• Folate: 19% of the RDA.

• Copper: 18% of the RDA.

• Iron: 15% of the RDA.

• Zinc: 13% of the RDA.

• Potassium: 9% of the RDA.
• Over 10% of the RDA for vitamins B1, B2 and B6.

• Small amounts of calcium, B3 (niacin) and vitamin E.

This is coming with a total of 222 calories, with 39 grams of carbs and 4 grams of fat. It also contains a small amount of omega-3 fatty acids.

Quinoa is non-GMO, gluten-free and usually grown organically. Even though technically not a grain, it still counts as a whole grain food.

NASA scientists have been looking at it as a suitable crop to be grown in outer space, mostly based on its high nutrient content, ease of use and how easy it is to grow (3).

The year 2013 was actually called "The International Year of Quinoa" by the United Nations (UN), based on its high nutrient value and potential to contribute to food security worldwide (4).

BOTTOM LINE: Quinoa is an edible seed that has become very trendy among health conscious people. It is loaded with many important nutrients.

 So i thought to experiment it and make Idli with it first. 

Ingredients

Quinoa                               - 2 cups

Idli  rice                              - 2 cups

Urad dhal                           - 1 cup

salt                                     -2tsp

fenugreek seeds                -1 tsp

Soak the quinoa, rice with fenugreek seeds and urad dhal seperately for 4-6 hours .
Then grind it to a smooth consistency either in a mixie or Grinder .
Add salt to it and mix. The batter should be in a consistency of neither thin nor thick .
Allow it to ferment for overnight.
The next day pour the batter in the idli mould and steam it as regular idlis .
So easy and tasty and healthy.Serve it hot with Sambhar and Chutney.