Amazing Quinoa

I discovered quinoa about a year and a half ago.  It is tasty and very versatile.  I love it because it cooks fairly quickly, can be eaten hot or cold, and used in so many different ways... as a breakfast cereal, as a nutritious salad ingredient, or as a nest for spicy stews.

Quinoa has the unique trait of being a complete protein, which means it contains an adequate proportion of all nine of the essential amino acids necessary for the dietary needs of humans or other animals.

It is also gluten-free.  Actually it is not a grain at all, but a seed, and so is suitable for those following the paleo diet and lifestyle as well.

I have purchased bulk quinoa but I know that it needs to be rinsed before cooking, which is a nuisance.  Now I buy True Roots organic quinoa at Costco.  It does not have to be rinsed, and cooks up fairly quickly - 15 minutes on simmer, then left to rest and plump another 5 minutes, and it is ready to eat.

1/4 cup dry quinoa becomes a hearty serving after it has been cooked.

Weight Watchers P+ = 4.
Calories 170; Protein 5g; Carbohydrate 30g; Fat 3g; Fibre 4g

With the addition of yogurt, fruit and nuts, it is a nourishing and filling breakfast.



Or with peanut butter, vanilla soymilk and half a banana.

 



Featured Recipes using this staple:

• Quinoa Fruit and Nut Salad
• Warm Quinoa and Strawberries Breakfast Bowl
• Tuna Quinoa Cakes
• Fall Quinoa Sweet Potato Cakes
• Butternut Squash and Quinoa Chili