Quinoa – The Scoop
Qui-noa /Keen-wah/
So besides it usually being pronounced wrong, Quinoa is amazing!!
Usually considered a grain it is actually a seed from a big green leafy plant related to Swiss chard and Spinach. The best part about Quinoa is it’s extremely versatile, it’s great plain or you can pair it up with just about anything. Savoury or sweet this little seed is fluffy, chewy, a little nutty and even a bit creamy all rolled into one. This plant grows best 10 thousand feet above sea level and the worse the weather conditions and soil the better, hard to believe since this little seed packs a lot of punch for where it likes to grow.
What’s so great about it:
- Gluten & Cholesterol FREE
- It’s a complete protein (contains all the amino acids necessary for our needs.) Which is rare in the plant world so great for vegetarians
- High in Iron & Calcium
- Good source of Magnesium & fibre.
- 4.5 grams of Protein per Cup
Other then cooking it solo with some veggies or substituting it for rice you can add it to:
- Stew
- Soups
- Cereal
- Oatmeal
- Muffins
- Cake
- Cookies
- Salads
- Sandwiches
- Wraps
- Chili
- Ground it and use it as a flour replacement
- Stir-frys
Don’t forget to rinse it, theres a natural chemical on these seeds that can give it a bitter taste!!