How To Cook Quinoa

 Qunioa

pronounced [Keen-Wah] is a gluten-free seed that is a good source of Vitamin E.

According to WholeFoods

Quinoa is typically consumed in the same way as the cereal grasses (wheat, oats, barley, and rye), we group it together with those foods on our website. However, quinoa is not a cereal grass at all, but rather a member of the same food family that contains spinach, Swiss chard, and beets. Many researchers refer to quinoa as a “pseudocereal.” This term is typically used to describe foods that are not grasses but can still be easily ground into flour. The scientific name for quinoa is Chenopodium quinoa.

Benifits of Quinoa:

• Packed with Protein
• High in Iron
• High in Dietary Fiber
• Aids with Weight Loss
• Stress Reliever
• Good for your Skin
• Energy Booster
• Helps with Migraines
• Helps with Gallstones
• Prevents Breast Cancer
• Natural Laxative
• Aids in Colon Health
• High in Amino Acids
• Lowers Blood Pressure
• Treats Diabetes
• Treats Hemorrhoids

I came across Quinoa and started eating it about 5 years ago. My son decided in 5th grade that he wanted to be a vegetarian. I took him in to see a Nutritionist to get some advice on what to feed him to keep him healthy. I wanted to make sure I was giving him what his body needed, and I wanted to see what options he had. She gave me a lot of information about the amounts of nutrients needed for him to help him continue being a growing boy. One of the foods she told me about was quinoa. She informed me that it was a great grain that he could eat to aid in keeping his iron and protein numbers on point. So, I went to Trader Joe’s that day and bought a bag. While at the store, I found that they had three different colors. Black, Red, and White. You can even get tricolor quinoa, if you want to mix it up. There really isn’t a difference in flavor with each color. 

 How Do You Cook it?

1. Rinse the quinoa thoroughly in a fine-mesh strainer. 
2. Add 1 part quinoa and 2 parts water or broth to a saucepan. If you want, add a pinch of salt.
3. Bring to a boil. Then cover your quinoa and simmer for 15 minutes. 
4. Remove the saucepan from the heat, and let is sit for 5 minutes. 
5. Take top off, and fluff with a fork. 

I cook a big batch of quinoa on Sundays. I measure out 1/4 cup, and split it up into containers to get me through the week. 

I save time just by grabbing one of my little containers, and dumping it in any meal. 

One of my quick go-to meals is my Quinoa Fruit Bowl. I just add whatever fruits I hand on hand to a bowl of quinoa, top with a little honey, chia seeds, maybe even some nuts, and I’m good to go. 

MrsB

Quinoa Fruit Bowl

A filling and colorful breakfast bowl

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Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 1/2 Cup Cooked Quinoa
• 1/2 Banana Sliced
• 1/2 Cup Strawberries halved
• 1/2 T Honey
• 1 T Chia Seeds optional

Method

 

1. Place cooked Quinoa in a bowl
2. Sliced The bananas and Strawberries
3. Add fruit to the bowl
4. Add honey
5. Top with seeds or nuts.

Notes

If you are not a fan of Chia seeds, you can try pine nuts, almonds, pecans, flaxseed, or any other nuts or seeds that you may like.
Try using blueberries, mango, or any other fruits that you may have on hand.

 Are you a fan of quinoa? Would you try this recipe at home?