Thinai Pidi Kuzhakattai with Pudina Chutney(Quinoa Dumplings with MintChutney)

Pidi kuzhakattai or Upma kuzhakattai is generally made with broken rice and lentils.This is another very healthy and very tasty version of Pidi kuzhakattai bit made with quinoa or Thinai.believe me ,this was even more delicious and succulent than the regular upma kuzhakattai made with rice.this could be an ideal breakfast or dinner option as Thinai or quinoa is very healthy and works well for all calorie conscious people with no compromise on taste.It goes well with Mint chutney or coriander chutney.Traditionally my mom prepares raw tamarind chutney with upma kuzhakattai and it tastes awesome with the dumplings,but my son and husband likes upma kuzhakattai with mint chutney and even I feel mint chutney tastes great with it.

Preparation time:35 mins

Serves:3

Ingredients:

Quinoa or Thinai -1 cup

Toor dhal or pigeon peas-1 tbsp

Urad dhal or white lentil-1 tbsp

Gram dhal-1 tbsp

Red chillies-4 nos

Green chillies-1 or 2 

Hing-1 tsp

Grated coconut -4 tbsp

Curry leaves -few

Salt-to taste

Sesame oil and coconut oil-1 tbsp each

To temper:

Mustard-1 tsp

Red chillies-1 

Urad dhal-1 tsp

Gram dhal-1 tsp

Curry leaves -few

Procedure:

1.Wash quinoa and other dhals separately and keep.Soak urad dhal,toor dhal and gram dhal along with red chillies and green chillies in water for a minimum of 25 mins.grind it to a coarse paste along with the curry leaves.

2.In a wok heat sesame and coconut oil together and add the tempering ingredients.after the mustard splutter and the dhals turn golden brown ,add 2 1/2 cups of water ,salt,hing,ground dhal and chillies paste and grated coconut.

3.Allow the water to boil.once it starts boiling add the quinoa and cook till all the water is absorbed and the mixture turns like upma.

4.Switch off the flame and after the mixture turns lukewarm make dumplings by taking a little mixture with you palm and pressing it with fingers closed. Do the same with the rest of the mixture also.

5.Steam the dumplings for 10- 12 mins and serve hot with mint chutney.To know the recipe for mint chutney click here.

Tips:

* You can use coconut oil completely instead of using it along with sesame oil.

*Adding hing is essential,as it lends a beautiful flavor to the dish .