After all the wait or should I add, and laziness, “Me and My Gusto” finally made it to the blogging world. This is something I wanted to do for a long time…. 

Newly wed, flew in from India with my tall, dark and handsome 13 yrs ago. When the plane lands at Detroit, just before we get to the gate, my sweetheart tells me ” don’t get mad, we don’t have a home, will have to stay with some friends…………..and the adventure begins.

Its been 13 beautiful years with all kinds of adventures or should I quote “Variety is the spice of life”.

Its a NEW DAY everyday…………….

“Me and My Gusto” !!! I am sure many of my friends and to be friends would wonder why Gusto, stumbled on the word while searching for something synonym for passion for food. Never ever thought I would be blogging about food, and specially how to make them.

Grew up in Hyderabad, the place for food lovers, this is where my favorite quote comes to life, variety at its large and enough to spice up any ones life each day.

I learn atleast one new thing everyday, from a book while browsing it, from my kids while being around them, from near and dear ones I land up talking to….But there is one thing I have learned which keeps me going….you have to love yourself.

Lets stop about Me and start something about My Gusto. Cooking, partying, having people over is very normal at DV’s.  After I got married my name has become synonym to food, 7 yrs later I am known for food, did catering… now its obvious, right!!!

Going through a phase of getting strong and fit, were healthy always but not fit. Into high protein kind of diet or low carbs, which ever suits.

Here I present my first piece of art:  A very simple but nutritious item

Bagara Quinoa

Quinoa is known for its nutritional value, high in protein, magnesium, iron, good source of calcium and dietary fiber. It is gluten-free and considered easy to digest.

For us it is an alternative to white rice. Mostly anything you make with rice can be replaced with quinoa. When a new item has to be made, not everybody is comfortable. For me it is easy to remember when I see or its hands on. Don’t be afraid to try. It can be made with ease and quick. Quick fix for your hunger and guilt free.

Bagara Quinoa – Makes 4 servings

• Quinoa                             2 cups
• Mustard seeds                1 teaspoon
• Jeera/Cumin seeds       1 teaspoon
• Peanuts                            1/2 cup
• Split urad dal                  2 teaspoon (split black gram)
• Sliced Onion                    1 large (sliced lengthwise)
• Green Chillies                 4 to 5 or according to taste
• Curry leaves                     4 leaves
• Turmeric                           1/2 teaspoon
• Kotmir/Cilantro              to garnish
• Lemon/lime                     1 whole
• Salt                                     to taste
• Olive oil                             1 1/2 tablespoon

Directions to cook Quinoa:

Rinse quinoa with your hand and pour off the water, can use a mesh strainer too. Transfer drained quinoa to a cooking vessel, add 4 cups of water. Bring to a boil, now cover with a tight fitting lid and turn the heat down to simmer. Cook till the water is almost gone (10mins). Switch off the stove and let it sit for another 5 mins. Fluff quinoa gently with a fork.

To make Bagara quinoa:

1. Heat olive oil on medium  in a deep saute pan.
2. Add mustard seeds, wait till it starts to pop, then add Cumin.
3. Add peanuts and fry them, (don’t burn them), now add split urad dal, wait till it turns light brown.
4. Add onions, green chillies and curry leaves, saute them till onions are transparent.
5. Add salt and turmeric, saute for another 1 min
6. Add fluffy Quinoa, mix it gently, once properly mixed, get it off the stove
7. Add the lemon/lime juice and garnish with kotmir/cilantro.

Can add more lime juice for a tangy taste or offer individual pieces of lime.