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THE MYSTERY OF QUINOA

5/30/2013

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Quinoa--what is it and how do you pronounce it?  Quinoa is pronounced--"keen-wah".  It is a considered the King of Grains because it is a complete protein...everything your body requires from protein you can get from quinoa. This is considered one of the "ancient grains" as it has been around for hundreds of y 

A serving of this very nutritious grain is high in phytonutrients and flavonoids which are great cancer fighters.  Quinoa is also rich in nutrients including manganese, magnesium, tryptophan, folate and phosphorus--all essential to a healthy diet to keep your cells working well.   Also, it's filled with anti-inflammatory properties and heart protective fatty acids.  Compared to other grains, quinoa is significantly higher in calcium and protein.

Quinoa is a great alternative to rice, pasta, couscous, oatmeal or other grains, and it is as simple to cook as rice.  To cook it, use the same proportions as you would for rice:  1 cup of quinoa to 2 cups of water.  As you bring the water to a boil, rinse, the quinoa well under water.  Add the quinoa to the boiling water, and simmer for 20 minutes.  Fluff with a fork and WA LA, done!

Now, quinoa can be very bland tasting, just like plain rice or couscous can be.  To make it more flavorful, instead of using water to cook it with, substitute vegetable broth.  It will take on the flavors of whatever you are cooking it in.  To make a salad, cook it with either water or vegetable broth, then add some diced onions, cucumbers, tomatoes, parsley, and a little bit of lemon juice, salt and pepper.  You can't go wrong!

This is a very versatile grain.  Usually it is served as a side dish but, it can also make a fabulous breakfast, either hot or cold.  Cook the quinoa just like you would prepare oatmeal.  When it's ready, add some Almond milk and top with your favorite oatmeal toppings like fruit, nuts, cinnamon, berries, dried cranberries, or a little raw honey or real maple syrup.  YUM!!

This recipe is from the Forks Over Knives cookbook:

QUINOA, CORN AND BLACK BEAN SALAD

2 1/2 cups of cooked quinoa
2 cups of frozen corn, thawed
1 roasted red bell pepper, diced
1/2 small red onion, peeled and diced
1  15 oz can black beans, drained and rinsed
1 cup cilantro, finely chopped
6 green onions, thinly sliced 
1 jalapeno pepper, minced
zest of 1 lime and juice of 2 limes
1 T cumin seeds, toasted and ground (to toast, put in a dry skillet over heat, watch so they don't burn)
salt to taste

Combine all ingredients in a large bowl and mix well.  Chill for 1 hour before serving.

Again, you can use quinoa wherever you would use rice or couscous.  It is so nutritious and delicious, so give it a try.  You can buy it in most any grocery store....Bob's Red Mill brand also carries quinoa which, believe it or not, I can find at my local Ocean State Job Lots.  And, most of Bob's Red Mill products are organic...even better!!

Remember, for more recipes there are so many available right on-line....go to any Vegan website, or whole-food website and you will be inundated with choices...or just type in Quinoa...the possibilities are endless!  

Let me know if you try a new recipe that everyone loves....I love trying new dishes!

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