Pumpkin and bean quinoa

Quinoa is a healthy carbohydrate. Its actually a seed, though we eat it like a whole grain. Its so nutritious that a cup of quinoa contains 8 gms of protein. Quinoa seeds, interestingly, have a curly tail once cooked. My aunt, Sandy shared this super recipe with me.

Pumpkin - 1/4, chopped small
Quinoa and brown rice mix - 1/2 cup
Water - 2 cups
Cumin - 2 tsp
Chili powder - 1/2 tsp
Salt - 1 tsp and a pinch for seasoning
Black pepper - 1/4 tsp
Red cowpea bean - 1/2 cup, soaked overnight
Olive oil - 1 tbsp and few drops
Lemon - 2
Coriander leaves - a few

Preheat oven to 200 C. Toss pumpkin with olive oil, cumin, chili powder, salt and pepper. Spread into a single layer on a sheet pan. Roast for 25 to 30 minutes until pumpkin is tender and starting to brown.
Microwave beans in some water for 5 minutes or till cooked and soft.
In a cooking pan, add quinoa, water, a few drops of olive oil, a pinch of salt and juice of half a lemon. Bring to boil. Reduce heat, cover and simmer until the water has been absorbed. Fluff with a fork and let it cool. In a large bowl, combine pumpkin and quinoa. Fold in beans, coriander and juice of the remaining lemons. Season with salt to taste.

Recipe courtesy : Sandy aunty