Creamy Mushrooms, Lotus Seeds, and Peas with Quinoa and Sprouted Rice

With the weather turning cold all we want is to curl up in front of fire place with one of these comforting dishes. This afternoon we cooked something warm and incredibly easy that you can cook in less than half an hour. This Mushroom, lotus seeds and peas creamy gravy is an great side with steamed Quinoa, sprouted rice, or just brown rice.

Mushrooms are hearty and filling. they’re the great source of vitamin D. Lotus seeds are good source of protein, magnesium, potassium, and phosphorus. They are also low in saturated fat, sodium, and cholesterol. Quinoa is high protein and gluten free. In Nutshell, a complete yummilcious comfort food.
This is a smooth onion, tomato and Almonds based gravy. You can also just use this recipe as a base for different vegetables or cheese (Paneer)can be also added.

Ingredients

1 pound Mushrooms (washed and chopped)
1/2 cup Lotus seeds
1/2 cup fresh peas
3 medium ripe Tomatoes
2 medium Onions,sliced
1 inch Ginger,chopped
3-4 Garlic pods,chopped
10-12 Almonds
1/2 cup low fat cup Milk
1 cup water
1 tsp Cayenne pepper
1 tsp Coriander powder
1/4 tsp Turmeric powder
1/2 tsp Dry fenugreek leaves( Kasuri methi)
1/2 tsp Cumin seeds
Salt to taste
1 tbsp Oil
2 Green Cardamom
1 Cinnamon Stick
1 cup Quinoa or Brown rice or sprouted rice with quinoa blend

Method

1.In a pan add washed and chopped mushrooms. Mushroom will release loads of water first. When the juices dry up remove them and keep aside.
2.In the same pan which the mushrooms were sauted, add few drops of oil. Add ginger and garlic paste and saute till the raw smell disappears.
3.Now blend the onions, green cardamom,cinnamon,cumin seeds into a fine paste.  Pour in the pan, saute it till it cooks nicely.
4. Now blend tomato and almonds into a fine paste. Add this mixture and keep cooking.
5. Add salt, turmeric, cayenne pepper, coriander powder, and dry fenugreek leaves and keep cooking.

6.The whole mixture would come together as one mass. Simmer the flame till the gravy thickens more.

7.  Now add 1 cup milk. Stir and saute for 2-3 minutes or more.
8. Add in lotus seeds and peas. Keep stirring for 5-10 minutes on low heat.
9. Enjoy with the steamed grain of your choice. We had it with a combo of  steamed Quinoa,wild rice, and sprouted rice