I LOVE Quinoa!

I was first introduced to it at a dinner party by one of my classmates from my naturopathic medical training.  It was the fluffy, creamy, slightly crunchy texture of the quinoa that won me over immediately!  Soon after my first introduction to this fabulous “grain” I began incorporating it into my own cooking and was thrilled to learn about all the nutrients and numerous health benefits I was gaining from eating this delicious food.

Most commonly considered a “grain,” quinoa is actually a relative of leafy green vegetables like spinach and Swiss chard.  Quinoa is an amino acid-rich (protein) food.  It also supplies complete protein, meaning it includes all nine essential amino acids which makes it an especially good choice for vegetarians or vegans to ensure adequate protein intake.

Quinoa is especially rich with the amino acid lysine, which is essential for tissue growth and repair. In addition to protein, quinoa features a host of other health-building nutrients. Because quinoa is a very good source of manganese as well as a good source of magnesium, iron, copper and phosphorus, this “grain” may be especially valuable for persons with migraine headaches, diabetes, atherosclerosis, antioxidant, menopausal, asthma, cancer and much more.   In addition, quinoa is gluten free; thus, it is one of the least allergenic “grains.”

Nutrient Breakdown

Macro Nutrient Comparison to Other Grains (as a percentage)

Tips for Preparing Quinoa

1. It is always a good idea to thoroughly wash the seeds.
2. To wash quinoa, place it in stainless steel strainer, run cold water over the quinoa and gently rub the seeds together with your hands.
3. To cook the quinoa, add one part of the grain to two parts liquid in a saucepan. After the mixture is brought to a boil, reduce the heat to simmer and cover. One cup of quinoa cooked in this method usually takes 15 minutes to prepare.
4. When cooking is complete, you will notice that the grains have become translucent, and the white germ has partially detached itself, appearing like a white-spiraled tail.
5. If you desire the quinoa to have a nuttier flavor, you can dry roast it before cooking; to dry roast, place it in a skillet over medium-low heat and stir constantly for five minutes.

A Few Quick Serving Ideas

1. Combine cooked chilled quinoa with pinto beans, pumpkin seeds, scallions and coriander. Season to taste and enjoy this south-of-the-border inspired salad.
2. Add nuts and fruits to cooked quinoa and serve as breakfast porridge.
3. For a twist on your favorite pasta recipe, use noodles made from quinoa.
4. Sprouted quinoa can be used in salads and sandwiches just like alfalfa sprouts.
5. Add quinoa to your favorite vegetable soups.
6. Ground quinoa flour can be added to cookie or muffin recipes.
7. Quinoa is great to use in tabouli, serving as a delicious (and wheat-free) substitute for the bulgar wheat.

Tasty Quinoa Recipes

Meatless Quinoa Burgers

1. Mix above ingredients, add salt and pepper to taste.
2. Form burger with wet hands (patties are about 4 inches in diameter and ½ inch thick).
3. Lightly oil frying pan.
4. Cook about 5 minutes each side until golden brown.

Variations:

• 1/2 cup cooked and finely chopped broccoli
• 1/2 cup mushrooms, finely chopped

Quinoa Pilaf

1. In a medium skillet, heat olive oil.
2. Add onions, celery, garlic and mushrooms.
3. Sauté for three or four minutes until slightly browned.
4. Add Quinoa and stir for a minute or two to coat with oil.
5. Add water or broth, cover and bring to a boil.
6. Reduce heat and simmer 10 minutes.
7. Remove from heat and add remaining ingredients.
8. Serve immediately.

Make 4 – 6 servings

Stuffed Bell Peppers

1. Rinse Quinoa well and set aside to drain.
2. Chop onion, garlic, and sun dried tomatoes and set aside.
3. Cut tops off of bell peppers, rinse the bodies clear of seeds. Trim the seedpod off the tops and save the tops.
4. Heat 2 cups of broth to a boil in a medium sized saucepan. Once broth has reached a boil dump in the Quinoa and sun dried tomatoes. Cover and bring flame down to simmer for 12 minutes.
5. Add 1 cup of buckwheat groats to 1 egg white (or egg substitute) and mix until groats are coated.
6. Turn mixture into a dry frying pan and cook over medium heat for 2-3 minutes stirring well to keep groats separated. After 2-3 minutes add a cup and a half of broth, onion, garlic and other spices.
7. Cover and bring flame down to a simmer for 0-12 minutes, stirring occasionally.
8. Take Quinoa from stove and drain, saving vegetable stock (you’ll need it in a minute).
9. Place Quinoa in a bowl and add the buckwheat groats once they have finished.
10. Add 1 cup of tomato puree your favorite tomato sauce and mix well.
11. Once mixed, spoon liberally into bell peppers and put pepper tops back on.
12. Take left over broth and put into large pot with steamer tray.
13. Add broth or water until water just touches bottom of steamer rack and place Peppers into pot.
14. Secure lid and place on stove.
15. Bring to a boil then let simmer for 20-30 minutes, until peppers are very soft.
16. Serve.

Nutty Green Quinoa

1. Bring water to a boil, add quinoa and salt; stir and simmer, covered, for 10-15 minutes.
2. Remove from heat and let sit for another 10 minutes; then remove cover and allow to cool.
3. While quinoa is cooking, blend almonds, parsley, garlic, and oil in a food processor.
4. When quinoa is cool, stir with nut mixture and add pepper to taste.
5. Garnish with cucumber if desired.