Quinoa could be considered a super food from everything I've been reading! I'm sure you've heard by now about all of the benefits of this seed. Yep, it's a seed that is most often typecast as a grain for it's tender fluffy texture once cooked. It's actually a seed from a plant that is related to spinach, beets, and chard! Everything you've heard seems to be true. It has a ton of health benefits. It's a complete protein, meaning it contains all 9 essential amino acids, it's easy to digest, and is chock full of vitamins and minerals. One of my favorite things about this "whole grain" is that it is a good source of magnesium, a mineral I find that is often overlooked and forgotten. I've been upping my dietary intake of magnesium to combat my migraine headaches.
I'm thrilled that this ancient nutrient is becoming a more mainstream health food. Thus, it is becoming ever easier to find tasty recipes for it. I suppose it is an acquired taste, but well worth the effort. My kiddos weren't thrilled with the recipe, although they did eat it. I have committed to cooking it at least once a week. I was re-inspired to pull this couscous look alike out of the pantry from a new book I bought today. I browsed the pages at Barnes and Noble today and came home and bought it on my Nook. Yay, one less cookbook in my cabinet! It's called Pretty Delicious by Candice Kumai. I made her Quinoa Pilaf that is a mixture of quinoa, toasted almonds, dried fruit, and basil, dressed with olive oil and balsamic vinegar. Although it was served hot at dinner, I suspect it will be just as tasty served cold. I LOVED it, the kids don't really like nuts or dried fruit so their distaste was to be expected.
There are so many options and advantages, I urge you to Google more about it. I Googled "benefits of quinoa." I'm sure "quinoa recipes" would also garner great results. It's not only healthy, but it's quick to make, taking only about 15 minutes. Remember to rinse it thoroughly before cooking and enjoy it hot or cold, in cereal, or even in the form of ground flour, sprouts, or pasta.
I'm eager to try new quinoa recipes, so feel free to leave a link
in the comments section if you have one to share.
