TTR – Quinoa

Quinoa (pronounced keen-wa) is known as an ancient grain, although it is not a grain at all and is gluten free.

Closely related to spinach, this leafy plants seeds are what we know as quinoa. Nearly perfect protein-wise, quinoa is nutritionally rich in amino acids, magnesium, fiber and iron.

Here’s a TIP:

Quinoa cooks up to 3 or 4 times its size, so plan accordingly with your pan size!

Here’s a TRICK:

Rinse, rinse, and then rinse again. This is how you remove the bitterness of quinoa before you cook it. Once cooked, the delicious nutty flavor emerges.

And your RECIPE:

(from Saving Dinner the Vegetarian Way):

Quinoa Salad
Serves 6

1 1/2 cups quinoa
3 cups low sodium vegetable broth
1 large red onion, finely chopped
1 large red bell pepper, cored, deseeded, and chopped
1 large cucumber, peeled and chopped
1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, stems removed, chopped
1/4 cup orange juice
1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
1 teaspoon grated orange rind
Salt and pepper to taste
2 tablespoons olive oil
5 tablespoons pine nuts, toasted
6 red leaf lettuce leaves

In a colander, rinse the quinoa thoroughly and drain. In a medium size saucepan, bring the broth to a boil, stir in the quinoa, and return to a boil. Lower the heat and simmer, covered, for 20 to 25 minutes or till all the liquid is absorbed. Let stand for 5 minutes.

In a large bowl, combine the quinoa, onion, red bell pepper, cucumber and basil.

In a small bowl, combine the orange juice, vinegar, orange rind, salt and pepper. Whisk in the oil. Pour the dressing over the quinoa and toss well. Arrange each serving on the lettuce and garnish with pine nuts.

Per Serving: 295 Calories; 10g Fat; 15g Protein; 40g Carbohydrate; 7g Dietary Fiber; 0mg Cholesterol; 276mg Sodium.  Exchanges: 2 Grain (Starch); 1 Lean Meat; 1 1/2 Vegetable; 0 Fruit; 1 1/2 Fat.

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