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    Home » Healthy » Vegetable Quinoa Upma

    Published: Feb 25, 2020 · Modified: Oct 2, 2020 by Priya * This post may contain affiliate links.

    Vegetable Quinoa Upma

    Recipe Video Print
    a hand holding a spoon digging into a bowl of Vegetable Quinoa Upma and text at the bottom
    Vegetable Quinoa Upma filled in a round platter with spoons next to it and text at the top and bottom
    Vegetable Quinoa Upma in a bowl with a spoon in it and text at the bottom

    Vegetable Quinoa Upma is a tasty, low carb Indian breakfast quinoa recipe that can be made under 30 minutes! Loaded with veggies, this vegan snack is great for weight loss, easy and very delicious!

    a hand holding a spoon digging into a bowl of Vegetable Quinoa Upma

    Table of Contents

    • What is Upma
    • My GO-TO healthy breakfast/Snack recipes
    • Benefits of Quinoa
    • How to cook fluffy Quinoa or Kenova with tips
    • How to make Vegetable Quinoa Upma
    • Tips to make this Indian snack recipe
    • Vegetable Quinoa Upma

    What is Upma

    Upma or Upama is one of the most common and popular Indian breakfast/snack recipe! This meal is cooked as a thick savory porridge using dry-roasted semolina also known as Rawa/Rava or coarse rice flour along with veggies.

    It is a filling and nutritious meal that is very easy to make and tastes great! This is why, today this dish is popular all around the world and is prepared in various ways using different ingredients like Poha, Oats, Bread or even Rice.

    Upma is so simple to make that bachelors, vegetarians, vegans looking for healthy protein-rich recipes can make this snack in just a few minutes. I have always been a fan of Upma and often make it using whatever vegetables available.

    Since I prefer having a hot breakfast over cold, I have many recipe options to choose from even on busy mornings.

    My GO-TO healthy breakfast/Snack recipes

    • Hummus Flavored Mashed Potato Waffles
    • Lentil & Spinach Crepes | Moong Dal & Palak Chilla
    • Cilantro Poha Recipe
    • Vegan Chettinad Corn Dhokla | Steamed Corn Cakes
    • Navy Beans Sundal Salad
    • Tamarind Poha

    a round bowl filled with Vegetable Quinoa Upma

    I love creating variations in recipes, Instant Pot Oats & Vegetable Upma and Bread Upma being some of them. Which is why I wanted to make Quinoa Upma this time. Why quinoa you may ask. Read on.

    Benefits of Quinoa

    • Quinoa (KEEN-wah) is a super grain
    • High in fiber
    • Protein-rich
    • Low carb
    • Naturally gluten-free
    • Contains iron

    a bowl filled with Vegetable Quinoa Upma with a spoon in it and few spoons on the side

    There are different types of quinoa in the market. Some popular ones are white, red, black, flakes and flour. Each can be used to make a variety of recipes. I have used white quinoa extensively. So here are my tips to cook them right.

    How to cook fluffy Quinoa or Kenova with tips

    • Rinse quinoa until the foam disappears completely. I usually rinse it in running water for 2 minutes. This also removes any bitterness from quinoa.
    • You can even roast quinoa before cooking to enhance its taste and give a crunchy texture. Place the seeds in a frying pan and roast on medium to low heat while stirring constantly for 5 minutes.
    • Unlike other grains or rice, quinoa can be cooked in 15 minutes.
    • The ratio for quinoa and water is 1:2. For every cup of quinoa, add 2 cups of water.
    • Once it's cooked, fluff it with a fork to ensure that they don't get smashed.

    How to make Vegetable Quinoa Upma

    This Indian snack recipe is a great low carb snack that can also be enjoyed as a light lunch or dinner. I am sure you will love this breakfast quinoa recipe!

    1. Heat avocado oil in a pan. Temper with mustard seeds and cumin seeds.
    2. Once they begin to splutter, add pine nuts, minced green chilies, and curry leaves. Fry for 30 seconds.
    3. Then add chopped onions and cilantro. Fry till the onions turn translucent.
    4. Next add mixed veggies like corn, bell pepper, carrots, green peas, edamame along with salt and turmeric powder.
    5. Mix and cook till the veggies are cooked. This could take 5-7 minutes.
    6. Meanwhile, rinse quinoa in running water for about 2 minutes. Then add the rinsed quinoa to the pan.
    7. Give it a mix and then add water.
    8. Cover the pan with the lid and cook this for about 15 minutes on medium flame.
    9. After the set time, open the lid and lightly fluff the upma with a fork.
    10. Garnish with hemp seeds and chopped cilantro and serve this delicious low carb vegan snack.

    Vegetable Quinoa Upma in a bowl with a spoon in it

    Tips to make this Indian snack recipe

    If you follow the instructions and the tips, you make this breakfast quinoa recipe effortlessly.

    • Rinsing removes quinoa's natural coating, called saponin, which can make it taste bitter. Although boxed quinoa is often pre-rinsed, it's still advisable to give the seeds an additional rinse at home.
    • Use any cooking oil or ghee in this recipe. I prefer using Avocado oil. Sauteing cilantro in the oil gives the dish a better flavor rather than only using it as a garnish. Substitute pine nuts with almonds, cashews or even pistachios. This just gives a nutty flavor and crunch to the dish.
    • Add any mix of veggies as per availability and liking. You can use frozen or fresh vegetables. Keep all the vegetables, seasonings needed for the upma ready and nearby. It saves a lot of time and reduces mess. Curry leaves are available at any Indian grocery store and on Amazon. Skip adding it if not available to you.
    • Once the water has evaporated and the grains are fluffy and not sticky, the upma is done. You can enjoy this low carb vegan snack by itself. No accompaniment needed. But if you must, serve it with some Indian pickle.

    Vegetable Quinoa Upma filled in a round platter with spoons next to it

    If you’ve tried this Vegetable Quinoa Upma or any other recipe on the blog please let me know how it went by commenting below, I love hearing from you!

    You can also FOLLOW ME on FACEBOOK, TWITTER, INSTAGRAM, and PINTEREST to see more delicious vegetarian and vegan recipes and what I’m getting up to.

    Vegetable Quinoa Upma in a bowl with a spoon in it

    Vegetable Quinoa Upma

    Vegetable Quinoa Upma is a tasty, low carb Indian breakfast quinoa recipe that can be made under 30 minutes! Loaded with veggies, this vegan snack is great for weight loss, easy and very delicious! 
    5 from 13 votes
    Print Pin Rate
    Course: Breakfast, Snack
    Cuisine: American, Indian
    Prep Time: 5 minutes
    Cook Time: 25 minutes
    Servings: 4 people
    Calories: 268.12kcal
    Author: Priya Lakshminarayan

    Ingredients 

    • 1/2 tbsp avocado oil
    • 1 tsp mustard seeds
    • 1 tsp cumin seeds
    • 1 tbsp pine nuts
    • 3 green chillies or 1 Jalapeno
    • 5 curry leaves
    • 1 onion
    • 1/3 cup cilantro
    • 1 cup mixed veggies
    • 1 tsp turmeric powder
    • 1 cup white quinoa
    • 2 cups water
    • 1 tbsp hemp seeds optional

    Instructions

    • Heat avocado oil in a pan. Temper with mustard seeds and cumin seeds.
    • Once they begin to splutter, add pine nuts, minced green chillies and curry leaves. Fry for 30 seconds.
    • Then add chopped onions and cilantro. Fry till the onions turn translucent.
    • Next add mixed veggies like corn, bell pepper, carrots, green peas, edamame along with salt and turmeric powder.
    • Mix and cook till the veggies are cooked. This could take 5-7 minutes.
    • Meanwhile rinse quinoa in running water for about 2 minutes. Then add the rinsed quinoa to the pan.
    • Give it a mix and then add water.
    • Cover the pan with lid and cook this for about 15 minutes on medium flame.
    • After the set time, open the lid and lightly fluff the upma with a fork.
    • Garnish with hemp seeds and chopped cilantro and serve.

    Video

    Notes

    • Rinsing removes quinoa's natural coating, called saponin, which can make it taste bitter. Although boxed quinoa is often pre-rinsed, it's still advisable to give the seeds an additional rinse at home.
    • Use any cooking oil or ghee in this recipe. I prefer using Avocado oil. Sauteing cilantro in the oil gives the dish a better flavor rather than only using it as a garnish. Substitute pine nuts with almonds, cashews or even pistachios. This just gives a nutty flavor and crunch to the dish. 
    • Add any mix of veggies as per availability and liking. You can use frozen or fresh vegetables. Keep all the vegetables, seasonings needed for the upma ready and nearby. It saves a lot of time and reduces mess. Curry leaves are available at any Indian grocery store and on Amazon. Skip adding it if not available to you. 
    • Once the water has evaporated and the grains are fluffy and not sticky, the upma is done. You can enjoy this low carb vegan snack by itself. No accompaniment needed. But if you must, serve it with some Indian pickle. 
    Tips to cook Quinoa
    • Rinse quinoa until the foam disappears completely. I usually rinse it in running water for 2 minutes. This also removes any bitterness from quinoa.
    • You can even roast quinoa before cooking to enhance its taste and give a crunchy texture. Place the seeds in a frying pan and roast on medium to low heat while stirring constantly for 5 minutes.
    • Unlike other grains or rice, quinoa can be cooked in 15 minutes.
    • The ratio for quinoa and water is 1:2. For every cup of quinoa, add 2 cups of water.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 268.12kcal | Carbohydrates: 39.72g | Protein: 9.94g | Fat: 8.44g | Saturated Fat: 0.83g | Sodium: 145.04mg | Potassium: 412.38mg | Fiber: 6.78g | Sugar: 2.47g | Vitamin A: 2467.14IU | Vitamin C: 36.18mg | Calcium: 56.48mg | Iron: 3.7mg
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    Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. For more information on my Affiliate and Advertising Policy, please click here. 

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    Comments

    1. Emily Liao says

      June 26, 2020 at 5:33 pm

      5 stars
      This quinoa dish was so delicious! Loved all the flavors and it was so simple to make.

      Reply
    2. Kushigalu says

      June 13, 2020 at 8:56 am

      5 stars
      Love this delicious breakfast recipe. Interesting twist to regular up a. Yummm

      Reply
    3. Jen says

      June 13, 2020 at 8:21 am

      5 stars
      I didn't realize how boring my quinoa game was until I tried this. Amazing!!!

      Reply
    4. Amanda Wren-Grimwood says

      June 13, 2020 at 6:45 am

      5 stars
      I love the colours and flavours in this dish and some great info on quinoa too as I've not used it much.

      Reply
    5. Sisley White says

      June 13, 2020 at 4:31 am

      5 stars
      A delicious dish which feels so health and tastes great. A lovely meal to eat.

      Reply
    6. Adrianne says

      June 13, 2020 at 12:35 am

      5 stars
      I love the colour combination that this recipe has, it is bright and looks so tasty!! I also enjoy quinoa but haven't seen it like this before, so I am interested and will give this a go, many thanks!

      Reply
    7. Shantala says

      March 18, 2020 at 9:53 am

      5 stars
      To be honest, it took me a while to adjust to the flavor of quinoa. And even then I did not like it plain, as a rice substitute. But a lot of my family chooses to eat it that way. But quinoa upma and pulao? Those are things that first made me enjoy quinoa. This one looks amazing!

      Reply
      • Priya says

        March 18, 2020 at 10:26 am

        I can so relate to what you are saying. Being a rice eater myself, I was not sure of quinoa myself. But now, having made this so often, I have begun to love it. 🙂 Thanks for your comments. Do try it and let me know how it turns out for you.

        Reply
    8. Mahy says

      February 25, 2020 at 5:52 pm

      5 stars
      Great quinoa to make over the weekend. The looks are amazing and health benefits are hard to overestimate!

      Reply
    9. Sally @ Savory With Soul says

      February 25, 2020 at 4:58 pm

      5 stars
      This is fabulous! Love quinoa, and this is a great fried rice substitute when we want to switch up our grains.

      Reply
      • Priya says

        February 25, 2020 at 5:09 pm

        Absolutely! Glad you liked this recipe. Do give it a try.

        Reply
    10. Anjali says

      February 25, 2020 at 4:51 pm

      5 stars
      I've actually been looking for a quinoa upma recipe for some time (since using quinoa is much healthier as a base for upma)! I can't wait to try this recipe this week!

      Reply
      • Priya says

        February 25, 2020 at 5:10 pm

        That was one of the reasons why I wanted to try this recipe for myself. It is so delicious that trust me, you will not miss the good old upma! 🙂

        Reply
    11. Jeannette says

      February 25, 2020 at 3:41 pm

      5 stars
      SO GOOD! Thanks for sharing such a healthy recipe for us to enjoy on weeknights.

      Reply
      • Priya says

        February 25, 2020 at 5:10 pm

        Glad you liked it. Thank you

        Reply
    12. Anita says

      February 25, 2020 at 3:33 pm

      5 stars
      That is one lovely quinoa dish. I bet they are great for a light and satisfying meal. That said, I notice your recipe card only has 1 ingredients (avocado oil) and you may want to update it. 🙂

      Reply
      • Priya says

        February 25, 2020 at 5:10 pm

        Thanks for pointing that out. Somehow that got deleted. Have updated the recipe card now.

        Reply

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