Quinoa Pudding

          Why not try something new? Just replace rice and make this yummy pudding / kheer / payasam with quinoa instead and treat your loved ones to a healthy and nutritious dessert?Quinoa contains dietary fibre, iron, protein and is gluten free. So it is recommended to include in our diet. 

          In this recipe I have used black quinoa. You can go in for any variety of your choice. This kheer is very simple to make and can be flavored accordingly. Enjoy it hot or chilled as per your preference. 

• 1/2 cup quinoa, soaked overnight
• 2 tbsp. ghee
• 1 bay leaf
• 2-3 green cardamoms 
• 2 & 1/2 cups milk 
• pinch of saffron
• 1/2 cup khoya 
• sugar to taste 
• pinch of salt
• 1 tsp. chopped pistachios 
• 1 tsp. rose water 
• chopped nuts, tutti frutti & dry rose petals 

          Cook the quinoa in enough water till it turns soft. Drain and keep aside. Heat ghee in a pan and add the bay leaf and cardamoms.

          Add in the drained quinoa and stir fry for 1-2 minutes. Add the milk and simmer on a low flame for 2-3 minutes.

           Add the sugar followed by the khoya, salt and saffron. Continue to simmer till it thickens to a desired consistency.

           Switch off the flame and add the rose water. Refrigerate till serving time. Garnish with chopped nuts, tutti frutti & dry rose petals.  Enjoy it hot or chilled.