Sunday, October 14, 2012
"Keen-wa, Keen-what?"
As a practicing Pescatarian, quinoa is an essential staple in my diet. After hearing several of my friends pronounce the food incorrectly (and in the oddest ways), it became clear to me that quinoa merited its own post. Quinoa (pronounced keen-wa) may be new to us, but has been enjoyed by many other civilizations for thousands of years. Quinoa is a seed that can be prepared like a whole grain, just as you would rice or barley. This super-food is actually a complete protein, providing all essential amino acids. The seeds also contain good amounts of calcium, phosphorus and iron. Quinoa is gluten free, cholesterol free and even kosher for passover.
Quinoa takes just fifteen to twenty minutes to prepare. Prior to preparation, be sure to rinse the seeds in a fine strainer or cheesecloth under running water. When cooked, quinoa is light and fluffy with a slightly nutty flavor. Prepare quinoa as a delicious side dish, high protein breakfast, or as a base in your vegetable pilaf. Click here for one of my favorite herb quinoa recipes from celebrity chef Giada De Laurentiis. Easy and delicious.
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Jamie,
ReplyDeleteI love Quinoa. Most people don't know what it is or how to pronounce it. I use it in place of rice many times and the family doesn't know the difference. Thanks for sharing the recipe, I will try it soon. What other recipes do you have for Quinoa? Have you used it in soups?
I have had Quinoa once and like it so I was intrigued to read your blog. I will have to a recipe. I used it in a dish that had chicken and a glaze over the top of it. I loved the airy texture. I didn't realize it was a complete protein and gluten free. I'll keep that in mind when I have a patient that needs a gluten free diet. Thanks for the info!
ReplyDeleteI am a big quinoa fan, too. There is a restaurant I love that mixes it with olive oil, parsley, and lemon juice, then they use it as a topping for salad greens. It is delicious! Thanks for the recipe-- always looking for another use for my quinoa!
ReplyDeleteI can honestly say I have never prepared quinoa! Kindof sounds like nutty-flavored rice though, so I am sure I would enjoy it. I will have to give your recipe a try =]
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