Quinoa Spinach Khichadi: The Ultimate Detox Comfort Food You Need Today!

Are you looking for a healthy, delicious, and easy-to-make meal that’s packed with nutrients? This Quinoa Palak Lasun Khichadi recipe combines the superfood power of quinoa with the goodness of spinach (palak) and the flavor punch of garlic (lasun). It’s perfect for a wholesome breakfast, lunch, or dinner!

What Is Khichadi?

Khichadi is a comforting one-pot dish popular in Indian households. Traditionally made with rice and lentils, this version uses quinoa — a protein-rich seed that’s gluten-free and loaded with fiber. Adding palak and lasun not only boosts the nutritional value but also enhances the taste.

Health Benefits of Quinoa Palak Lasun Khichadi

• Quinoa: High in protein, contains all nine essential amino acids, rich in fiber, magnesium, and iron.
• Palak (Spinach): Packed with vitamins A, C, K, folate, and iron, excellent for blood health and immunity.
• Lasun (Garlic): Known for its immune-boosting and anti-inflammatory properties.
• Moong Dal: Easy to digest and a good source of plant-based protein.

This combination makes the khichadi a nutrient-dense meal that supports digestion, immunity, and overall wellness.

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Quinoa Palak Lasun Khichadi Recipe

Step 1: Prep

Rinse and soak quinoa and moong dal together for 15–20 minutes

Step 2: making spinach puree

In a deep pot boil some water.

In boiling water add spinach. count for 30 sec and directly add spinach to mixer jar.

Add garlic, ginger, green chili, and coriander.

make fine spinach puree.

Step 3: cooking

In a pressure cooker or pan, heat ghee. Add cumin seeds, let them splutter.

Add ginger, garlic and green chili. Add onion, sauté until soft.

Add tomato and cook until soft.

Add Spinach Purée

Stir in turmeric powder, coriander powder, salt, and chili powder. Sauté for 2–3 minutes.

Add quinoa and dal. Mix well.

Pour in water same amount as our quinoa and dal mix. Pressure cook for 4-5 whistles or cook covered until soft and mushy.

Let it rest for a few minutes. Serve warm with curd or pickle.

✅ Benefits of Quinoa Palak Lasan Khichdi

1. High in Plant-Based Protein

• Quinoa is a complete protein (contains all 9 essential amino acids).
• Combined with moong dal, it provides sustained energy and helps with muscle maintenance — important during weight loss.

2. Rich in Fiber

• Quinoa, spinach, and moong dal are all fiber-rich.
• Fiber promotes satiety (feeling full) and reduces unnecessary snacking.

3. Low Glycemic Index

• Helps regulate blood sugar levels.
• Prevents insulin spikes, which can promote fat storage.

4. Low-Calorie and Nutrient-Dense

• This khichdi is packed with vitamins (A, C, K), iron, magnesium, and antioxidants.
• Keeps you nourished without adding excess calories.

5. Digestive Health

• Garlic aids digestion and has natural detoxifying properties.
• Moong dal is light and easy to digest, making it ideal for people with sluggish digestion.

6. Anti-Inflammatory Properties

• Garlic and spinach both have anti-inflammatory effects, which support overall metabolic health.

7. Heart-Healthy

• Quinoa is cholesterol-free and rich in magnesium, beneficial for heart health — often a concern during weight management.

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🥗 How It Helps in Weight Loss

Benefit	How It Supports Weight Loss
High protein	Reduces appetite and boosts metabolism.
High fiber	Promotes fullness and prevents overeating.
Low in fat & calories	Fewer calories with more nutrients.
Stabilizes blood sugar	Reduces sugar cravings and fat accumulation.
Nutrient-dense	Prevents nutrient deficiencies during calorie control.

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⚖️ Tips for Weight Loss with This Khichdi

• Use less oil or ghee — 1 tsp is enough for flavor.
• Serve with low-fat curd or a small salad for added volume and nutrients.
• Avoid pairing it with fried accompaniments like papad if you’re strictly watching calories.

🥣 Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)

Serving size: About 1.5 cups (makes 3–4 servings total)

Nutrient	Amount (approx.)
Calories	280–320 kcal
Protein	11–13 g
Carbohydrates	38–42 g
Dietary Fiber	6–8 g
Fat	6–8 g
Sugar	< 2 g
Iron	~15–20% of daily value
Calcium	~8–10% of daily value
Magnesium	~20–25% of daily value
Vitamin A (from spinach)	High (30–40% of daily value)

⚖️ Macros Ratio (% of calories):

• Carbs: ~55%
• Protein: ~16%
• Fat: ~29%

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🔍 Calorie Sources Breakdown

• Quinoa (1 cup cooked): ~220 kcal
• Moong dal (½ cup cooked): ~100 kcal
• Spinach, garlic, tomatoes, onions: ~40–50 kcal
• Ghee/oil (1–2 tsp): ~40–80 kcal

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💡 Tips to Lower Calories Further:

• Use only 1 tsp ghee or switch to 1 tsp olive oil.
• Increase spinach and reduce the amount of quinoa slightly for lower calories and higher fiber.
• Skip serving it with curd if aiming for a very low-calorie meal — or choose fat-free yogurt.