If you haven’t tried Quinoa (pronounced keen-wa) I’d say, “now’s the time”. It’s clean, simple, and d’lishes (I know I’m a dork, but I couldn’t resist).
Technically, Quinoa is a seed, but for all intents and purposes we’ll keep things simple and group it with the grains. And in the world of grains, it just doesn’t get any easier than Quinoa.
I use Quinoa a lot in the kitchen. Mostly because of all the grains out there it cooks up the fastest. So not only is it a nutrient powerhouse but it’s also really convenient.
If you’re trying to find realistic ways to incorporate more nutritious ingredients into your kitchen, Quinoa could just be your new best friend! I’m telling you, it’s that good and that easy!
Here are some of my favorite facts about quinoa:
- It cooks up quickly (unlike most grains)
- It is packed with protein (as a matter of fact it is a complete protein)
- It’s got lots of fiber
- It has a low glycemic index… so it doesn’t spike blood sugar levels
- It’s light, yet it stays with you
- It’s wheat and gluten free
- It comes in different colors like red, orange and pink
- It’s delicious
Quinoa has a very light, fluffy texture with a creamy consistency and a slightly nutty flavor. It’s really good. I often use it instead of rice or pasta. But there really are a billion things you could do with it. As a matter of fact, I’d love to hear what you do with it. What’s you’re favorite recipe using Quinoa??
Quinoa
Ingredients
1 cup of Quinoa2 cups of water or broth
Fat pinch of salt
Directions
Rinse Quinoa under cold water before cooking.
Place Quinoa, water or broth, and salt in a medium sauce pan. Bring to a boil.
Turn the heat to low, cover and allow to simmer for about 15 minutes.
When the Quinoa is done, it will be translucent and have a little white circle around it (that's the germ).
If want your Quinoa to take on a nuttier flavor, you can dry roast it in a skillet for a few minutes before cooking.
Serves 4.
Nutritional Analysis
1/2 cup of cooked quinoa:Calories: 127; Total Fat: 2g; Saturated Fat: 0g; Cholesterol: 0mg; Sodium: 10mg; Carbohydrate: 23.4g; Dietary Fiber: 2; Sugars: 0; Protein: 4.5g
More from Clean & Delicious...
Ask Dani - Can I Eat Too Much Quinoa?
Quinoa with Oranges and Yogurt
Video: Black Bean and Quinoa Pita Pockets
Video: Quinoa "101"
Salmon & Basil Quinoa Salad
Some recipes you may enjoy:
Black Bean and Quinoa Pita Pockets (video)
Quinoa, Leek and Cherry Stuffing
Quinoa Raisin Muffins
Butternut Squash and Quinoa Frittata
Salmon and Basil Quinoa Salad
I have been using quinoa for a while. Also amaranth. Both are really great sources of protein. It’s amazing how many grains (and grasses – like wild rice) are not used, recognised, or even known about. It takes places like this to bring that to peoples’ attention.
Sandy – I know. There are so many delicious, nutritious, easy to work with ingredients out there that seem to slip under the radar!
It substitutes nicely for rice in Indian food. It prepares easily in a standard rice cooker.
I recently tried quinoa for the first time. I really liked its texture. This reminds me to look for some more quinoa recipes.
Ravi – I never tried to make in a rice cooker…thanks for the idea!
Kevin – like Ravi said, you can pretty much sub it in anywhere you would use rice.
Hi Dani,
I love Quinoa I always use it to make (hot nutty Quinoa) for breakfast with coconut,cinnamon or cardamom,and almonds.
serve it with milk.
Zainab – Wow…that sounds SO good. I love the combination of flavors…I am definitely going to try this, thanks!
hello dani
love your blog & videos.
i love to make quinoa with pesto. just hand chopped basil, pine nuts, parmigiano and good olive oil. it tastes great and the color is lovely. i also like it in cold salads, mixed with diced tomatos, onions, chopped mint, coriander or parley, olives, the whole thing seasoned with lemon juice and olive oil, as a “taboulé”.
Hilda – Thank you…Thank you!! I love the idea of Quinoa with pesto, it sounds delicious!! Thanks for the great ideas!
Hi Dani!
I love your videos and your website there great!
Hey just to tell ya I live in England and I don’t really know how you can get that really cool american accent!
Thank for all the tips on How to!
That’s really good advice!!
oh man I am so excited to have found this site. I’ve been looking for quinoa recipes and am ready to start experimenting. Thank you!