Quinoa - One of the Best Vegetarian Dishes Around!

Today we will delve into the wonderful and lesser known world of quinoa (Pronounced Keen-Wa; say it and you will already love it). Quinoa is a grain, somewhat like rice, and cooks like rice but it has a slight nutty flavor. The Incas, who held the crop sacred, as do I called it "chisaya mama" which means the mother of all grains. Vegetarians should embrace this wonderful food. It was one of the first items I tried when I became a vegetarian and I love it!

Quinoa's nutritional value is second to none, for a grain it has an 18% protein ratio which is quite high for a grain. It contains a perfect balance of amino acids, making it one of the most complete foods on the planet. It also has a high fiber value which in our opinion is exactly what is missing from the American diet. This is because we are fighting a tough battle with the major producers of food who are shoving over-processed sugar in fancy boxes and calling it grains.

In addition, Quinoa is not just for dinner as some side dish. It is easy to prepare and using different ingredients can make a delicious lunch, casserole, or even a great substitute for oatmeal for breakfast.

Finding quinoa is not hard anymore. Most grocery stores will carry it in the rice aisle. If not, you should find it situated in the health aisle, where it belongs because it is truly health food. I hope you will go out and buy a box and cook it up tonight. You will need only water or some vegetable broth to prepare it and it will take about 15 minutes of your time to make this super food. Below are some examples of what you can, and what I do with it every week.

Quinoa Casserole:

Preheat Oven to 350

1 cup of broccoli

1 can of chick peas

1 can of diced tomatoes (drained of most of its juice)

1 cup of low-fat shredded cheddar

1 ½ cup quinoa (Add to 3 cups of water/broth, bring to boil, turn down to simmer and cover for 15 minutes)

Couple shots of hot sauce (Optional)

Mix together, add to 8 X 8 Casserole dish, and bake for 25 minutes. Makes 8 side dishes or 4 main dishes.

Supercharged Breakfast:

1 cup cooked Quinoa

½ cup of Soy milk (Vanilla flavored)

½ cup of your favorite fruit

Microwave for 1 minute and enjoy!!

Keep in mind any rice dish you have replace it with the same ratio of quinoa and you have a different twist on your old favorite recipes.

I promise once you try quinoa you will never look at grains the same and will never want those sugar laden white grains again. Remember, animals belong on our laps, not our bellies!! Happy eating everyone!