In LOVE with Quinoa the new Superfood

” What the heck is quinoa?”

It’s a common question I receive when eating it, posting pictures of it and friends that read the benefits of it but haven’t tried it yet…

To best describe it.. it is a healthy version of rice. It has a very similar texture, taste and can build the same type of recipes but the benefits far outweigh what rice can offer.

Some benefits of Quinoa are:

• It is one of the most protein rich foods we can eat-It is a complete protein containing all nine of the essential amino acids.
• It contains almost twice the amount of fiber than other grains.
• It contains IRON-Iron helps keep our red blood cells healthy and regulates body temperature and energy metabolism.
• It contains lysine- Which helps support growth and repair.
• It is rich in Magnesium-Which helps with transmission of nerve impulses, body temperature regulation, detoxification, energy production and the formation of healthy bones and teeth.
• Is high in B2– which helps improve energy!

Needless to say it is an easy substitute to make for added health benefits.

I know, I know.. everyone already knows that it is good for them and wants to know how to cook it and some fun recipes to try!

Cooking it is simple!

For every cup of quinoa, add two cups of water.

So grab a pot, pour one cup of quinoa in and two cups of water. ( Make sure your pot has a lid you can use).

Then bring the water and quinoa to a boil. Once it starts to boil, lower to the heat down to a simmer and place the lid on the pot. Let it simmer for 15 mins.

You will know it is done when you scoop to the bottom and there is no water left.

It is really that easy!

Now.. just use it as you would use rice.

My favorite Quinoa recipe right now is Tofu and Veggie Curry w/ Quinoa of course!

You will need:

• Quinoa
• Frozen Steamable Veggies of your choice
• Firm Tofu( YOU CAN ALSO USE CHICKEN)
• Curry Sauce of your choice ( try to choose one that has the least amount of sodium)
• Olive oil

Directions:

• Begin to prepare quinoa as seen above.
• Warm olive oil in a frying pan
• Cut Tofu into cubes ( YOU CAN ALSO USE CHICKEN ) and add them to the hot oil. Cook until tofu begins to brown on the outside. Then add a bit of your curry sauce to give tofu the taste you desire.
• Heat up steamable/frozen veggies in the microwave.
• Then my favorite part put it all in a bowl and mix it together. Add more curry sauce to flavor your quinoa

….and WAH-LAH you have a delicious and healthy meal that didn’t take LIGHT YEARS to make!

So don’t be afraid of quinoa, its delicious and can be made with anything you would make with rice but it’s better for you!

WIN-WIN!