Quinoa

I have been trying to incorporate new (to me), healthy foods into my diet.  Quinoa came to my attention, so I decided to try it.

 

Quinoa (pronounced keen-wah) was called “the mother grain” by the ancient Incas.  It has protein in it,  5 grams in a 1/4 cup serving,   highly unusual for a grain. 

It has a bland flavor which makes it perfect to “doctor” up.  I put onions, red peppers, tomatoes, celery, garlic, and ginger in mine.  Mostly I was using up foods in my fridge-but I thought it tasted great.  It is very versatile and can be used in soups, salads, breads, puddings or as a breakfast cereal.  I have used it as a substitute for rice in a stuffed eggplant dish and also mixed with chicken and mushrooms for another dish. 

Quinoa is something that  will find it’s way to my plate more often.