Have You Tried: Quinoa?

Have you tried quinoa?



These lovely little grains come from the Andean region of South America. They were the staple food of pre-Columbian Andean civilizations, and still are a staple food item in that area.

Quinoa is a super food. It not only has high protein content, but also essential amino acids. It also contains high amounts of dietary fiber and other minerals and vitamins. Another great thing is that quinoa is gluten free.

Quinoa is coated with a bitter substance called saponin that needs to be rinsed away before cooking.

When cooked it is a bit chewy (think brown rice) and nutty. It can be added to pilafs, soups, or prepared in the same way as rice.

Quinoa flour is used in a new Super Cookie developed by nutrition professor N. Paul Johnston of Brigham Young University. (Click here for the recipe.)

To make quinoa flour, place 1 cup of quinoa grains in a blender/food processor and grind until it has the texture of fine cornmeal. 1 cup whole grains=3/4 cup quinoa flour.

Other links:
Quinoa-Bulgur Pilaf with Corn and Jalapenos (my recipe)
World’s Healthiest Foods
Recipes using quinoa from 101 Cookbooks
Quinoa: A Sacred, Super Crop from NPR
Nutrition Facts

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10 Comments

  1. Quinoa is a pretty great food for veggies. I think it’s the only grain that has all of the essential AAs.

    That pilaf sounds yummy!

    We use it, too, in a great stuffed pepper dish.

    I love chili-roasted (chile?) squash!

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