I know quinoa has been around forever, but I'm slow to catch on to things. I'm especially slow since I'm not really the cooking type. I first learned about quinoa while reading What to Expect Before You're Expecting. Don't quote me on that, though. I have a horrible memory, so I might be completely making that up.
I especially love quinoa because it is a complete protein. This is awesome considering it's a plant (yet looks like a grain). It's also high in iron which is a big plus for women. And if they recommend it to women who are trying to conceive and to women who are pregnant, you know that it must have some nutritional value.
I recently made quinoa burgers using this recipe from Eating Well Living Thin. I surprised Nick with them. I had to make it a surprise because, although Nick will eat it, he's not the biggest quinoa fan. Needless to say, he didn't really care for them, but I LOVED them. I will definitely be making them again.
I've also made black bean and tomato quinoa salad. It's a delicious blend of ingredients that I love - black beans, tomatoes, quinoa, onions and cilantro. Yum!
Next up on my quinoa list is turkey and quinoa meatloaf. Meatloaf and quinoa? I know you're asking how a girl can get so lucky. I mean, I am too. Meatloaf and quinoa... combined. Sounds like heaven.
Of course, you can make quinoa plain. Quinoa isn't necessarily very flavorful. Some say it has a nutty taste, but I would liken it to brown rice. If I'm going to serve quinoa as a side, to replace rice, for example, I will add chicken bullion to the water and throw in some onions. This really adds a lot of flavor and, I think, makes it more bearable for Nick. In fact, he likes it or at least he says he does. Here's a super easy recipe for anyone who wants to give quinoa a try:
1 cup quinoa
2 cups water
1 chicken bullion cube
1/4 small onion, chopped
If you purchased a box of quinoa, read the directions first. Some brands may instruct you to rinse the quinoa before cooking it. If you bought it in the bulk bin section of your store, you will definitely want to rinse it first. After you've rinsed it (or not), add water, onions, and chicken bullion to a small saucepan. Heat to a boil making sure the bullion cube completely dissolves. Add quinoa and stir contents. Cover and reduce to simmer. Cook for about 15 minutes. You'll want the water to be completely absorbed. Eat and enjoy!
So simple! And delicious! And in the words of Brian Wilson, "you're welcome."
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