PLANT-BASED : QUINOA

Quinoa (pronounced keen-waa) is a very versatile whole grain. It isn’t even really a grain as much as it is a seed. A little known fact about quinoa is that it is actually related to Swiss chard, spinach and beets! It is naturally gluten free and is a plant-based source of a complete protein which means it provides all nine essential amino acids.

Quinoa can come in three different varieties: white, red and black. Just one cup of quinoa contains 8 grams of protein, 5 grams of fiber, 15% DV iron, 30% DV magnesium, 19% DV folate as well as heart healthy omega 3 fatty acids.

I like to use quinoa in place of rice AND oatmeal. Yes, I said oatmeal. I will have quinoa for breakfast quite often and I find it fills me up longer than just a bowl of oatmeal.

Quinoa can be prepared just like rice but will actually cook faster. For basic plain quinoa, I often take 1 cup of quinoa, 2 cups of water or broth and place in a pot and turn the pot on to high heat. When the water starts to bubble, I lower the heat to low, cover the pot and set my timer for 20 minutes. I find that 20 minutes is just right for me, but many have luck at 15 minutes.

I buy a large bag of Quinoa from Costco (ranges about $13 per bag) but a little goes a long way, trust me.

On Sundays, I will often make 1 cup of quinoa (which requires 2 cups of water) and cook as directed above. I then divide the cooked quinoa when done into four or five containers with about a half a cup of cooked quinoa in each. At this point you can store (covered) in the fridge, or cool and prep your breakfast for the week if you know what you like ahead of time (just leave off the nondairy milk). I like to put my plain quinoa in the fridge and then add ground flax seed, cinnamon, blueberries and almond milk and throw in the microwave to warm up each morning before work (or reheat at work).

I will also post two recipes for two meals using quinoa below.

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I challenge you to buy some quinoa this weekend and experiment. Quinoa is very much like rice in that it takes on the flavor of the food mixed with it or used to cook it (i.e. vegetable broth vs water).

Here are the two quinoa recipes for you to try:

Acorn Squash with Quinoa and Pistachios (recipe from With Style and Grace)

Pizza Quinoa Casserole (recipe from Peas and Thank You)

Happy Trails!

~Trailmomma

 

 

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