First, let’s get the pronunciation right, it’s KEEN-WAH. So, if your still out there talking about keen-noah-wha or quin-woa, it’s time to say KEEN- WAH. Now that we’ve got that out of the way, it’s time to learn what this ultra-popular superfood is and what you can do with it.
Quinoa (remember KEEN-WAH) is a pseudo cereal. What is a pseudo-cereal? It’s a seed that pretends to be like a grain. It looks like a grain, tastes like a grain, has similar nutrition properties to grains, but it’s a seed in disguise. Kind of like how peanuts pretend to be a nut but really, they are a type of bean/legume.
Quinoa is harvested from a plant in the goosefoot family. Other members of this family are swiss chard and spinach. Quinoa must be washed before cooking because it contains a bitter substance called saponins that are not enjoyable if cooked into a dish.
It includes all essential amino acids and therefore a source of complete protein. It’s not super high in protein, but it has more protein than most grains or grain-like foods. It also has more fiber than comparable foods such as couscous or rice. However, like those foods, it is also high in complex carbohydrates.
There are hundreds of variety’s of quinoa, most often you will find white, black, red, or a mix of these colors sold in stores. It’s native to Bolivia and Peru, although because of its durability, cultivation has started in the US and Canada.
Quinoa can be cooked on the stove, in the slow cooker, or in a pressure cooker. Some methods allow for baking, but most require you fully cook it before you use it in a baked recipe.
It’s very versatile and will absorb the flavors it’s cooked with. However, some people find the taste of quinoa too “earthy” for them. If you are one of those people, try cooking the quinoa according to package directions in broth instead of water. Using broth will enhance the flavor and tone down some of the earthiness.
Try incorporating more quinoa into your diet. For some recipe inspiration, check out a few Blue Ribbon quinoa recipes.
Click Here for Quinoa and Potato Latkas Recipe
Click Here for Quinoa Crustless Ham and Kale Quiche
