Would I eat it? Quinoa
Posted by Melanie Jatsek on January 30, 2010
100% yes! Quinoa (pronounced Keen-wah) is used like a grain in recipes but really isn’t one. It is actually the seed of the Goosefoot plant. It has a pleasant, slightly nutty flavor with a bit of a crunch. It’s super easy to prepare: Rinse Quinoa, add to boiling water then simmer for 12 minutes. I like to add a bit of olive oil and balsamic vinegar, toasted almonds, chopped kalamata olives and sun dried tomatoes. It makes a wonderful side dish or filling for stuffed red peppers or acorn squash. You can even even add chopped dried fruit, such as apricots or figs.
The nutrition profile of Quinoa is AMAZING! Per 1/4 cup uncooked:
Calories: 180; Fat: 3.5 grams (no saturated fat); Total Carbohydrate: 29 grams: Fiber: 11 grams; Protein: 7 grams; Iron: 15%; Magnesium: 15%; Zinc: 15%; Phosphorus: 25%
The best thing about Quinoa is that it’s a complete protein, containing all 9 essential amino acids that your body needs to stay healthy!
You can find Quinoa at your local Whole Foods store….or if you live in Northern Ohio, Heinen’s Fine Foods carries it too! If you can’t find it in your local grocery store, you may want to ask the manager to special order it for you. This one is worth adding to your pantry.
