This should read 202 ways with quinoa (pronounced keen-wa) such is the versatility of this seed.
Seed?? Yes! It’s commonly referred to as a grain but is technically a seed – which is great if you’re looking for a non-grain grain.
Use it instead of rice, eat it hot or cold, sprout it, you can even replace your porridge with it.
Quinoa consists of 20% protein, is high in lysine and is a good source of iron.
I particularly like the black and red varieties but it also comes in white. Mix them up for an attractive salad base.
Cook it like rice at a 1:2 quinoa to water ratio. Bring to the boil then simmer for about 20 mins. Fluff with a fork.
Some say to rinse your quinoa before cooking to ensure the bitter-tasting saponins are removed (I’m told most will have been removed before it got to the shop).
Note: Always cook more than you need so you can throw together a quick nutritious lunch. Cook 1 cup quinoa:2 cups water and you’ll have enough for the following two dishes. Double as needed.
Black Bean & Quinoa
Ingredients
2 tsp ground cumin
1/4 cup vegetable stock
2-3 cloves of garlic, minced
Zest of one lemon
1 can black beans
1 cup cooked quinoa
Lettuce cups lined with mint
Toppings – sliced avocado, red pepper, fresh coriander & cashew cream
Method
Dry toast 1-2 tsps ground cumin
Add splash of vegetable stock and steam saute several cloves of minced garlic & lemon zest
Add 1 can of drained black beans and toss over heat for several minutes
Mix in cooked quinoa
Season with salt, pepper & extra chilli flakes to taste. Cool.
Assemble lettuce cups. Serve with cashew cream.
Everyday Quinoa Salad
I love salads that make a meal requiring as much or as little as your creativity, time and pantry allow. The plainest version of this is still delicious and packed with good sources of plant protein. Top with the vinaigrette below or your favourite oil-free dressing.
Ingredients
1 cup cooked quinoa
1 small red onion, sliced thinly
Handfuls of fresh mesculin and herbs
1 can of chickpeas, rinsed
Grated carrot/zucchini
Favourite salad items, eg, olives, cherry tomatoes, blanched beans, roasted garlic, piles of sprouts, toasted seeds …
Method
Mix ingredients together in a large mixing bowl. Top with THIS dressing.
Balsamic Vinaigrette
The mayo-like quality of this dressing takes it many places.
1/4 cup cashews (soak for an hour if you can)
1/2 cup water
1/4 balsamic vinegar
1 tsp Dijon mustard
1 clove garlic, pressed
1 tsp agave nectar (or sweetener of choice)
Salt & pepper
Be sure to blend/process this dressing until smooth.
Please share with your friends. You never know they may make it for you!
