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    Home » This and That » Quinoa 101: So Keen on “Keen-wah”

    by Kathy Patalsky · updated: Sep 30, 2019 · published: Feb 5, 2009 · About 2 minutes to read this article. 4 Comments

    Quinoa 101: So Keen on “Keen-wah”

    I’m pretty hyped up about Quinoa.
    It’s a superfood of a grain, though it’s actually a seed.
    Quinoa dishes have been popping up on a ton of trendy high-end NYC restaurants, which makes me a happy foodie. Spiced Quinoa at Counter, Quinoa Croquettes at Public and Quinoa Risotto at Felidia’s. Nice.
    This tiny, fluffy, creamy and nutty flavored superfood is high in amino acid rich protein, high in fiber and an excellent source of several minerals. It contains 58% RDA of manganese.
    And that’s not all folks. Keep reading for the complete 101 on quinoa…
    QUINOA
    ORIGIN: Quinoa (KEEN-wa) is the seed-like fruit of the plant Chenopodium quinoa that has been cultivated in the Andes since ancient times.

    AESTHETICS: It looks like couscous. But is incredibly different. It is a whole food product-not processed glutanous flour-like couscous is. Quinoa is fluffy, nutty, and when cooked/steamed becomes incredibly light and fluffy, yet maintains an intriguing heartiness in texture when you chew.

    NUTRITION: Quinoa is incredibly rich in amino acid containing protein. Here are a few more nutrition stats:
    QUINOA, 1 cup
    calories: 222
    fat: 4 grams
    carbs: 39 grams
    protein: 8 grams
    fiber: 5 grams
    vitamin A: 0
    vitamin E: 6% RDA
    vitamin C: 0
    manganese: 58%RDA
    calcium: 3% RDA
    iron: 15% RDA
    magnesium: 30% RDA
    phosphorus: 28% RDA

    *Quinoa absorbs flavors amazingly! Thus makes it a perfect compliment to intense herb, spice or natural flavors.

    *Try toasting the raw grains before cooking for an intense nutty flavor.

    *Preparation is much like rice. Simply cook with a liquid and you are all set.

    *It is highly recommended that you rinse the raw quinoa very well before cooking.

    I will be posting a yummy quinoa recipe eventually, but for now, check our this recipe from Whole Foods: Roasted Bell Peppers Stuffed with Quinoa.

    TIP: I suggest first trying quinoa from a restaurant or deli counter. Whole foods usually has quinoa in its prepared foods section. It is smart to taste test quinoa done by a pro before you attempt it yourself. Just a suggestion. (You can also decide if you like the taste and texture of this unique and nutritious food.)

    EXTRA TIP: Trader Joe’s has a Quinoa sliced bread that is very yummy. It is exceptionally soft, yet is still high in nutrients due tot the quinoa ingredient! It is as fluffy at that unhealthy white flour fluff bread. Just make sure your TJ’s cashier doesn’t smash it under a bag of apples.

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    About Kathy Patalsky

    Hey there! I'm Kathy, lover of kitty cats, weekend baking, 90's movies, travel, beach fog and foamy lattes. Since 2007, I have been sharing my vegan recipes and photos. My goal is to make your cooking life a little easier, delicious - and plant-loaded - while sharing some LIFE and conversation along the way.

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