Image from 101 cookbooks.
Have you tried quinoa? "Quin-what?" you ask. Quinoa, pronounced "keen-wah," is a seed that looks and acts like a grain. It's a complete protein, is loaded iron, is a great source of fiber, and is gluten free.
Best of all, it's delicious. It has a nutty flavor and a light texture similar to couscous only fluffier. Quinoa really shines in salads -- just cook, add chopped veggies and herbs, olive oil, and lemon, and you've got a nutritionally complete dinner. You can find quinoa at health food stores or online at Organic For Max, Eden Organic, Living Tree Foods, and even Amazon.
To cook, cover quinoa with water in a pot. Bring to a boil, cover, lower heat, and simmer for 15 minutes. Fluff before serving.
Quinoa salad
1 1/2 cups cooked quinoa
1 cup baby arugula
2 scallions, finely chopped
5 fresh apricots, chopped into 1/4-inch pieces
1/4 cup toasted pistachios, roughly chopped
2-3 Tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
Juice from 1 lemon
1 Tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
Salt and pepper to taste.
This works best if you make it a few hours before dinner. After cooking quinoa, let cool a little for about 5 minutes and then pour over arugula to wilt it a little. Just before serving add other ingredients and stir well. Enjoy! Makes 2-3 main-course servings.
If arugula is too bitter for you, substitute with chopped spinach leaves. If you're feeling spicy, add some red pepper flakes as well.
Image from NPR.
This NPR article on quinoa has some great looking recipes.
Here's a recipe for vegetable fried quinoa with links to more quinoa recipes.
Try quinoa with black beans and tomatoes.
Quinoa can be as simple as this big bowl with some of your favorite vegetables.
For a completely different quinoa experience, try Ancient Harvest Quinoa Polenta.
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