The Inca's referred to quinoa as "the Mother grain". It is high in amino acids, oxalates, folates, minerals like magnesium, phosphate, and manganese. The grain is also gluten free and can be a healthier substitute for rice or cous cous. No wonder this little power house of a grain has become so popular among health-minded people.
Although quinoa is usually listed as a grain, it is really a seed. The quinoa seed goes through the same process as most grains, but comes out with more protein. Since it works like a grain but is not one, quinoa is great for people with wheat allergies!
Some of my favorite, simple ways to use quinoa is in a power-house salad or as a rice substitute... Paella with quinoa is amazing! Here are a few other ways to use quinoa that are health and taste incredible.
Quinoa Pancakes
Yes, there is a way to make those delicious tasting and terrible for you pancakes healthy[ish]! This recipe comes from one of my favorite all over crafty, cooking divas, Martha Stewart. The recipe is pretty healthy with a small amount of butter, whole wheat flour, and the quinoa. To make it a little bit better, and a touch more meat free, substitute the low-fat milk for almond milk. When it comes to baking, almond milk works the same as anything else but is a whole lot better for you!
To make this even more homey and fantastic, try making your own syrup! Maple syrup is pretty simple and only takes about 5 minutes, prep and all. Water, sugar, and maple extract are all you need... No high fructose corn syrup or preservatives here!
There are some other great quinoa pancake recipes out on the internets as well. The Ambitious Kitchen has a great quinoa pancake recipe that also uses greek yogurt, whole wheat, and bananas. Yum!
Quinoa Salad
Quinoa salads are so simple to make. All you need is a little cooked quinoa, some veggies of choice, and some leafy greens. My favorite alteration in a quinoa salad is with quinoa, and some slightly cooked veggies. It is delicious!
Oprah.com has an amazing, and intricate, quinoa salad recipe with cranberries, apricots, and almonds! The salad includes a yummy dressing recipe as well. There is also a great quinoa salad recipe at Vegetarian Times. This one has pine nuts, peeled cucumbers, lemon zest, and parsley. So simple, yummy, and refreshing!
For a super simple option, just sprinkle some quinoa over a pre-made salad and add your dressing. Some bagged salads come with cooked quinoa already mixed in with the toppings. Check your grocer's salad section and look for anything that uses the word "power" there is a pretty good chance that salad come pre-quinoaed.
Quinoa Veggie Burger
Veggie burgers are a great way to get some extra protein and change up that American classic. Vegetarian Times has two great veggie burger recipes that both use quinoa. When it comes to veggie burgers, quinoa will work just like rice (and sometimes better) at holding the patty together. Vegetarian Times also has a great tip for grilling veggie burgers- puree in some overcooked pasta and it works like the glue. Genius!
Spring is just a few days away, I cannot wait to commandeer someone's grill for these yummy guys! The two recipes that I recommend most are the Black Bean- Quinoa Burgers and the Mediterranean Veggie Burgers.