Healthy Recipes – How to Cook Quinoa

Feb 15, 2013 | Health Tips, How to Videos, Recipes

With today’s post, I am starting to create and share simple cooking tips for making it easier to eat healthy. I hear from people so often about how difficult it is to make time to eat the way they know they are ‘supposed to’. I’m telling you, it does take time and effort and there is absolutely no way around that. Sorry guys and girls. But, the good news is that, if you take the time to take care of your body, mind and spirit, they will take care of you. That in itself, will give you more vitality and energy.

So, we are breaking it down into simple, do-able steps with very basic cooking. All of which, can be done in less than 30 minutes.

So, watch, learn, and enjoy!

Quinoa – Pronounced ‘kee-nwah’, this grain is actually a seed and has been produced and consumed in South America for centuries. It is a complete protein, gluten-free, and beautiful. I like it because it is what is called an ‘alkaline’ food, meaning, it doesn’t contribute to acidity in the blood which can lead to inflammation in joints, muscles and pain. It can actually help reverse inflammation and decrease pain and increase healing in the cells and tissues.

The following attachment is my instructional video.

After cooking your quinoa, here are some simple ways that you can enjoy it, hot or cold:

  • you can eat it hot with steamed vegetables, chopped up avocado, cilantro, and basil
  • add some olive oil, Bragg’s Liquid Aminos or Umeboshi Plum vinegar and eat it plain
  • Add a sauce on the top with baked tofu and steamed spinach
  • As a cereal with nuts and dried fruits
  • As a salad, cold with steamed beets, olive oil, salt, feta cheese, olives and chopped red onions.

Below are some links for very specific recipes to get you going:

Whole grain quinoa seasoned with fresh herbs makes this salad recipe healthy and low-fat, as well as vegetarian and vegan. But don’t let that scare you – it tastes good too! Whole grain quinoa cooks quicker than most grains and is an excellent source of vegetarian protein with about 11 grams of protein per cup of cooked quinoa. Scroll down for more quinoa recipes to try.

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups quinoa, cooked
  • 1/2 cup pecans (pine nuts or almonds may be substituted)
  • 3 tbsp fresh mint, chopped
  • 1/2 cup fresh parsley, chopped
  • 3 scallions (green onions), chopped
  • 3 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 tbsp lemon juice
  • 1 tsp garlic salt
  • salt and pepper, to taste

Preparation:

In a large bowl, combine the quinoa, nuts, parsley and mint.

In a separate bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice and garlic salt, then pour over quinoa. Gently toss this dressing over the quinoa. Season with a generous amount of salt and pepper.

Chill for at least 15 minutes before serving to let the flavors blend. Toss again before serving, and taste to see if more salt and pepper is needed.

  • Look at the website glutenfreegoddess.blogspot.com/ for more quinoa recipes

My Challenge to you:

Set a timer for 30 minutes. Make some time either before work or after work. Cook some quinoa, chop up some veggies and steam them. When finished, drizzle some olive oil, salt or Bragg’s Liquid Aminos on your quinoa and veggies and enjoy a really delicious, simple, and healthy meal.

Try this once a week. It’s not that difficult, I promise!