Come and get yer protein!
If you can have a favourite source of protein, then mine would be quinoa. Most commonly considered a grain, quinoa is actually a relative of leafy greens from the genus Chenopodium. Quinoa has been part of the native indian diet for ever. It has only been recently became popular as a grain. Good grief, I'm a food nerd.
Quinoa is a complete protein, meaning that it contains all essential amino acids. The great thing about it is that the amino acid lysine is in high abundance, making quinoa great for tissue repair. It is also high in B Vitamins, namely Vitamin B2, making it a great help for migraine sufferers. It is also high in magnesium, which is good for regulating blood pressure and insulin levels. Quinoa is a must for anyone at risk for diabetes. It is a great source of insoluble fiber and is an antioxidant.
Preparing Quinoa
Since it is technically a seed, the grain is covered in a protective coating which fends of pests. This coating has to be removed, unless you want it to taste bitter and soapy. A good way to do this is to rinse it in a small-holed, mesh strainer and rub the grain against the mesh as you rinse. This will remove the coating and help to open up the grains.
There is white quinoa and red quinoa. The red version is slightly more nutty. Either variety is cooked like rice- one part grain to two parts water. Bring the water to a boil, then reduce the heat. Quinoa only takes about 15-minutes. When it's cooked, the grain opens and a white tail-looking thing appears.
QUINOA SALAD
I find this recipe is the easiest way for people to try quinoa. It's so easy to make!
1 cup quinoa, cooked
a bunch of cilantro, rinsed and chopped
one small red onion or half a medium small onion, chopped small
1/2 cup walnuts, chopped
1/4 cup dried cranberries
salt and pepper
Toss everything in a bowl and give it a good toss.
Take care,
The Nutritionista
Quinoa is a complete protein, meaning that it contains all essential amino acids. The great thing about it is that the amino acid lysine is in high abundance, making quinoa great for tissue repair. It is also high in B Vitamins, namely Vitamin B2, making it a great help for migraine sufferers. It is also high in magnesium, which is good for regulating blood pressure and insulin levels. Quinoa is a must for anyone at risk for diabetes. It is a great source of insoluble fiber and is an antioxidant.
Preparing Quinoa
Since it is technically a seed, the grain is covered in a protective coating which fends of pests. This coating has to be removed, unless you want it to taste bitter and soapy. A good way to do this is to rinse it in a small-holed, mesh strainer and rub the grain against the mesh as you rinse. This will remove the coating and help to open up the grains.
There is white quinoa and red quinoa. The red version is slightly more nutty. Either variety is cooked like rice- one part grain to two parts water. Bring the water to a boil, then reduce the heat. Quinoa only takes about 15-minutes. When it's cooked, the grain opens and a white tail-looking thing appears.
QUINOA SALAD
I find this recipe is the easiest way for people to try quinoa. It's so easy to make!
1 cup quinoa, cooked
a bunch of cilantro, rinsed and chopped
one small red onion or half a medium small onion, chopped small
1/2 cup walnuts, chopped
1/4 cup dried cranberries
salt and pepper
Toss everything in a bowl and give it a good toss.
Take care,
The Nutritionista
Labels: fun food facts, recipes
posted by The Nutritionista at 7:39 AM
5 Comments:
hey. i read your blog! heheh
Your food posts make me hungry! :)
I hope things are going great... oh and quinoa is one of my fav things to eat!
Hey Lady!
Glad you're reading :)
Hope you are well.
That looks like Red Quinoa... where can you buy it in Toronto?
Three places I know the defintely have it are:
The Mercantile (College) and Food 4 Life (Kensington)
I'm sure I'm seen it at The Big Carrot though.
Thanks for the comment!
I love quinoa. My favorite thing to make with it is a little vegetarian casserole type thing. I cook 1c quinoa, put it into an 8x8 glass dish. Put black beans & red kidney beans on top of that. Put some canned tomatoes on top of that. Put some corn on top of that. Put some sauteed onions & garlic & spices on top of that, and top it all w/cheese. Feeds me lunch & dinner for days!
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