About quinoa
Quinoa (pronounced “keen-wah”) is a fantastic grain substitute (even hough it’s not technically a grain – it’s actually a seed). High in protein, calcium and iron, and a relatively good source of vitamin E and several of the B vitamins, quinoa is also a complete protein because it contains an almost perfect balance of all eight essential amino acids.
Some types of wheat come close to matching quinoa’s protein content (oats and buckwheat, for example), but grains such as barley, corn, and rice generally have less than half the protein of quinoa. Quinoa is 12% to 18% protein and four ounces (about 1/2-cup) will provide a child’s protein needs for one day. Plus, quinoa provides valuable starch and fiber.
Quinoa would be a worthy addition to anyone’s diet, supplying variety as well as good nutrition!
How to cook quinoa
Quinoa naturally contains a waxy coating which is bitter in taste called saponin. It is extremely un-tasty so it has to be removed through rinsing. Most packages of quinoa has been pre-rinsed to remove the coating of saponin, but check the package to be sure.
If you buy quinoa with its saponin coating still on, you have a task of rinsing it vigorously in a strainer (with very small holes because the grains are so small), then soaking it for several hours in water, then re-rinsing it.
Rinsed quinoa can be cooked just like rice. Add quinoa to boiling water (about 1 cup quinoa to 2 cups water), cover, and turn down the heat to a low simmer. Let it cook for about 15 minutes. The “germ” (looks like a small curl) will separate from the seed (you eat both parts) and the quinoa will be light a fluffy.
Use quinoa in almost any dish where you would use rice! For a veggie stir-fry, just cook veggies in an asian sauce/marinade (I used Trader Joe’s Island Soyaki) and serve over your quinoa.
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Join the the Meatless Monday movement! One day a week, cut out meat to reduce your risk of chronic preventable conditions like cancer, cardiovascular disease, diabetes and obesity. It can also help reduce your carbon footprint and save precious resources like fresh water and fossil fuel.
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Caitlin says:
Monday, May 24, 2010 at 10:49 am (UTC -5)
I love quinoa! By the way, I just started giving Sam millet, another good grain! He loves it. He is going to be such a sophisticated eater ;-)
Caitlin´s last blog ..Messy!