 |
| blog.beauty-goodies.com |
Quinoa (pronounced keen-wah) is a fantastic grain. It is gluten free and high in fibre. It is a complete protein, containing all 9 essential amino acids, as well as decent amounts of manganese, magnesium, iron, copper and phosphorus. Quinoa grain (which is actually a seed) has a consistency similar to couscous but a slightly nuttier texture. You can buy it in white, red or black forms, and it is also available as flakes (similar to oats), and processed products like pasta and flour.
Quinoa can be used as a side dish, in salads, or as a breakfast porridge. I've also used it to make risottos and sweet puddings. It is fantastic as a replacement for bulghur in tabbouleh.
Quinoa needs to be rinsed thoroughly before cooking, to remove the bitter tasting saponins which coat the grain. It also has a nicer flavour if you dry toast it before cooking. It is quick and easy to prepare: simmer 1 cup of quinoa in 1.5 cups of water until all water is absorbed.
There are a plethora of fantastic quinoa recipes on the net, so I'm going to be lazy and refer to some of my faves instead of posting my own (forgive me Kate!):
- I love this one from The Food Coach - a pilaf with preserved lemon and slivered almonds. I like to add cumin roasted cubes of pumpkin.
- This recipe for quinoa with spring vegetables and pesto from one of my fave blogs, Gluten free Girl and the Chef looks delicious.
- Mushroom and walnut quinoa from the amazing Cannelle et Vanille.
- Warm salad of roast cauliflower and quinoa from The Stone Soup.
- Quinoa salmon burgers and Moroccan quinoa pilaf from The Whole Life Nutrition Kitchen.
- She Let Them Eat Cake makes some fabulous Adzuki Bean and Quinoa Veggie burgers.
- Try this Mexican quinoa from whyveg.com
- And for something sweet, try this quinoa pudding from Healthy Living...delice!
What have you created with quinoa?
Keep me posted!
Nat x
No comments:
Post a Comment
Note: Only a member of this blog may post a comment.