Sweet & Savory Quinoa Dishes
Quinoa (pronounced keen-wah) is a grain-like-seed that cooks like rice. It originated with the Incas in the mountains of Bolivia, Chile, and Peru. Quinoa is a complete protein, offering 8 grams of protein per cup. It is a good source of fiber, manganese, magnesium, folate and phosphorous. For those with wheat sensitivities, quinoa is a great choice, as it is naturally gluten-free.
Quinoa Salad
Ingredients
1 cup quinoa
2 cups water (or broth)
2 tablespoons olive oil (or other oil)
2 tablespoons vinegar (rice, apple cider, or red wine vinegar)
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 teaspoon honey
1⁄2 cup red onion (Thinly sliced or minced. Shallot would work too.)
1⁄2 teaspoon salt
2 cups vegetables of your choice (Finely chopped. Any combination of the following, or something else you like! Cucumbers, corn, bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, spinach, arugula, salad turnips, radishes)
Fresh herbs (Chopped. Your choice of cilantro, green onion, parsley, basil, or dill)
Instructions
Rinse quinoa in water and drain.
Combine quinoa with water or broth in a saucepan. Cover, bring to a boil, reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes. Set aside to cool. Use the same quantities if using a rice cooker.
Combine oil, vinegar, honey, salt and onions in a bowl, and set aside to marinate.
When the quinoa is cooled, toss it with the dressed onions, chopped vegetables and herbs.
Eat right away or store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. Tastes even better as leftovers!
Sweet Quinoa Porridge
Ingredients
1 cup quinoa
2 cups milk (or more, for a thinner consistency; can use dairy or plant-based milk)
1 pinch salt
2 tablespoons brown sugar (can use dried fruit as a substitute instead)
1⁄4 teaspoon cinnamon (can also add a pinch of nutmeg, ginger, or cardamom)
1⁄2 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
Optional toppings (milk & spices; maple syrup or brown sugar; chopped nuts or seeds & dried fruit)
Instructions
Rinse quinoa in water and drain.
In a saucepan, bring milk and spices to a simmer on low heat.
Add quinoa, salt, brown sugar (or dried fruit) and vanilla (optional).
Stir, cover, and lower heat to simmer for 15 minutes. Periodically check pot and stir to make sure nothing sticks to the pan. Add more liquid if needed.
When quinoa is tender and resembles oatmeal, remove from heat and transfer to serving bowls.
Add any desired toppings and enjoy!