Posted in Health | Thursday, March 17th, 2011
We’ve been eating this grain for quite some time at our house. It’s actually a very versatile food, a great source of protein, and a lovely way to stretch your food budget, if you’re trying to have one or two meatless nights a week.
Quinoa (pronounced KEEN-WAH), originally came from the Andes of South America, 3000-4000 years ago, where the Incas deemed the crop sacred. Although it looks like and is commonly eaten as a starchy grain, Quinoa is actually a relative of leafy green vegetables such as spinach and swiss chard.
The great thing about Quinoa is that it is full of essential amino acids, and holds about 8 grams of protein in a cooked half- cup. Many vegetarians and vegans make quinoa a staple in their diets because of it’s high protein count. It is also a great source of B vitamins. It’s wheat-free, gluten-free, and can be substituted for just about any other grain in recipes.
Uncooked Quinoa looks like this…
Quinoa needs to be rinsed until the water runs clear and then it can be cooked just like you would rice, 2:1, or for every 1 cup of quinoa you need 2 cups of water or broth. Quinoa kind of tastes like a cross between oatmeal and brown rice, but the consistency is similiar to couscous. It easily takes on the flavor of spices, sauces and other ingredients that are added to it. It can also be made into puddings for dessert or even as a hearty breakfast cereal.
Plain cooked quinoa looks like this…
For some great quinoa recipes click here.
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I like eating quinoa a lot mostly as a salad or as a dessert. At first, I thought it was the same as couscous because of its grainy texture but when I tried it, it had a nutty flavor to it. Try it with some golden raisins, cardamom, cinnamon, rose water and a little coconut milk.
I had some today!…with navy beans, soy beans and green beans – yummy! my colleagues think I am a strange because I am vegetarian and eat things that they cannot pronounce! But it tastes so good and a good source of protein! i must try it as a dessert though, as Green Afro Diva (love that name) does… never thought of that…
I add spinach, plum tomatoes, and a little parmesan cheese. I will definitely try it as a dessert now though!
Thanks Tracey
great post! im going to get some:)
Gosh I saw this in the supermarket yesterday but wasn’t sure what to do with it. I’m going to get some tomorrow.
I love Quinoa!!! I sautee some mushrooms and red onion in olive oil and add that to my already prepared Quinoa. I than mash up some avacado and white beans. Add sea salt and ground sage! DELICIOUS!!! I usually eat it straight out of the bowl but you can also get some large romaine lettuce pieces and make a lettuce wrap or you can also get some pita bread and stuff it with the Quinoa mixture
I love quinoa, it’s really good and it’s really good for you…can’t beat that! I tend to make it with lots of cumin and have it with kale.
@curlychronicles Oooohhh. Gotta try that.
Thank you, I´am gonna try this. Looks tasty
I can’t wait to try.
@ Tracey that sounds good. Can I have that recipe
@ Camille going to try your recipe too. I love quinoa!
Thanks for the post. I’m hoping to include more of this grain into my diet… Hopefully, it can act as a great substitute for rice…
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