Quinoa, pronounced “keen-wah” is broadly referred to as a grain, although technically, it isn’t one. Quinoa is what one would call a “pseudo-cereal,” because it is eaten and cooked like a grain and has similar nutritive properties. However, the quinoa plant is actually in the same family as beets, Swiss chard, and spinach. Quinoa may be having an identity crisis, but its remarkable nutrient density puts many grains to shame, specifically in terms of protein, fat, and mineral content.
Quinoa is native to the Andes mountains regions of South America and is considered a valuable superfood. It looks a bit like couscous and is as versatile as rice, but quinoa has a richer, nuttier flavor than either of them.
Quinoa can be eaten on its own as a side dish, with a bit of butter or oil, salt and pepper, or other seasonings. It also makes a great breakfast dish mixed with dried fruit, cinnamon, milk, and maple syrup or honey. Paired with chili, stir-fries, beans or curries, quinoa is a healthy substitute for rice, and it also makes a tasty pilaf. As a main course, use it to make meat-free burgers, mix it into stews or toss it into salads. Quinoa works as a baking grain as well, and makes for delicious and nutritious breads and muffins.
Here's how to cook Quinoa as a simple Side Dish.
Or try Quinoa and Black Beans as an alternative to Rice and Black Beans.
Maybe you'd just like to have this Kale, Quinoa and Avocado Salad instead.
Always wanted to try it but didn't know exactly what to do with it. Thanks for the advice.
ReplyDeleteIf you have kids they my not be as keen as you are to try out the quinoa so maybe you could start of with the burger and muffin options.
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