Quinoa is technically a seed, not a grain. It is related to beets, chard and spinach. It has a lovely nutty flavor which is very satisfying. You can serve it hot or cold in many different dishes such as – soups, salads, morning porridge or as a healthy side dish.
Two things in particular that I love about quinoa is that it’s gluten free and also a complete protein. It’s an antioxidant powerhouse that contains healthy fatty acids ( plant based ). When quinoa is cooked it doesn’t lose these important fatty acids as it is very tolerant to being boiled, steamed and simmered . I must say though that vegetarians and vegans tend to eat grains and and seeds, such as quinoa, a bit too much. I highly recommend having a big portion of vegetables , soup or even a salad loaded with greens, for example – avocado and beets.
Quinoa is quite simple to prepare. I always wash or rinse mine very well before cooking it. I also soak my quinoa in water for a few hours beforehand. Overnight or in the morning before work I will place the quinoa in a pot and let it soak in water throughout the day. When I arrive home I just need to rinse it a few times until the water runs clean. I suppose how often you need to rinse it will depend on the brand. I let it sit in the water because it’s said to be gentler on your stomach and digestion. Once soaked the quinoa releases a lot more of it’s minerals.
One cup of quinoa mixed with two cups of water (I usually make 2 cups quinoa 4 cups water and just store in the fridge and reheat as needed.) Bring to a boil, then lower and let simmer for about 15 minutes or until the water has disappeared. I then take off the sticky foam and toss it away while it’s still boiling. At the end you can add your favorite oil. As you know my preference is always coconut or extra virgin olive oil. Prepared in this way your quinoa is ready and you can use it in any way you want. I like to steam a bunch of vegetables and mix it with quinoa, add coconut oil then sprinkle some seaweed and hemp-seeds on top. There is also another version I love making from time to time. When all the water is almost gone from the quinoa, I then add a can of organic coconut milk for an extra creamy taste and texture. It is SO yummy and great for kids. You can leave it as is or mix a bit of cinnamon and apples in it for a delicious breakfast, or you can also add it to your steamed or roasted vegetables.
Experiment with quinoa and use your imagination. If you happen to find a good recipe, please feel free to share it with us. We love hearing from our readers!
Love JM