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- “I have replaced rice with…”: National award winner Yami Gautam enjoys this fiber-rich seed for lunch and dinner; 8 ways you can enjoy it too
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“I have replaced rice with…”: National award winner Yami Gautam enjoys this fiber-rich seed for lunch and dinner; 8 ways you can enjoy it too
ETimes.in / Updated: Jul 18, 2026, 21:38 IST
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What makes these seeds so healthy and filling?
Bollywood actress Yami Gautam won her first National Film Award for Best Actress in a leading role at the 72nd National Film Awards on Saturday, July 18. The actress is known for her flawless screen presence and has often talked about her simple living and healthy food choices. In an interview with Pinkvilla she mentioned that chai or tea has been an integral part of her food habits. She also mentioned that her roots from the north have played a key role in developing her love for parathas, but with time she has learned the art of controlling and always avoids maida. When asked about her daily healthy meal choices, she said, “I have replaced rice with quinoa and enjoy it in the form of salad, khichdi or combine it with dal for both lunch and dinner.” Scroll down to learn more about quinoa and how one can enjoy it in desi Indian dishes.
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Benefits of Quinoa
Quinoa, the edible seed of the quinoa plant, is a nutrient-dense ancient grain that is naturally gluten-free and rich in plant-based protein. It has been proven to contain all nine essential amino acids, making it a complete protein and a valuable staple for vegetarian and vegan diets. It is also high in dietary fibre, iron, magnesium, and antioxidants, supporting digestion, sustained energy, and overall metabolic health. Scroll down to learn the art of making Indian dishes with quinoa
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Quinoa Lemon Rice
It is a lighter version of the classic South Indian Lemon Rice, where you replace rice with cooked quinoa and combine in a tempering of turmeric, peanuts, green chilies, and lemon juice. One can also add veggies like capsicum and carrot to make a filling and comforting meal
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Quinoa Vegetable Khichdi
It is a wholesome one-pot meal made with quinoa, moong dal, seasonal vegetables like carrot, capsicum, beans, and corn, and is tempered with ginger, cumin, green chili, and ghee. It is a comforting meal with a healthy twist
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Quinoa Palak Khichdi
This one makes for a filling winter dinner, where you cook spinach puree and quinoa along with toor or masoor dal to make a one-pot meal and add a tempering of garlic and cumin. Light on the stomach and rich in iron, it makes for a filling dinner, when served with pickle and curd on the side
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Quinoa Paneer Pulao
Replace rice with fluffy quinoa and cook it along with whole spices, sautéed vegetables, and soft paneer cubes. It makes for a filling meal, best served with raita
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Quinoa Vegetable Upma
This one is inspired by the classic South Indian dish made with sooji. Simply replace sooji with quinoa and cook along with mustard seeds, curry leaves, veggies, and a squeeze of lemon and enjoy with rasam on the side
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Quinoa Stuffed Bell Peppers
Stuffed bell peppers are tempting, but one can always replace the potatoes with even healthier options. Try to fill them with spiced quinoa, onions, tomatoes, and herbs, then baked or shallow fry in a pan and enjoy
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Quinoa Tikki with Mint Chutney
This is for those who love slightly heavier meals. All you need to do is mix cooked quinoa with mashed potatoes, spices like coriander powder, salt, chili flakes, ginger, and garlic, shape them into tikkis, shallow-fry them, and pair with rumali roti or salad for a complete dinner
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Quinoa Curd Rice
To make this gut-friendly dish, you need cooked quinoa mixed with curd and a tempering of mustard seeds, curry leaves, ginger, and roasted peanuts. Top it with some pomegranate seeds as well
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