First things first. Do you know how to pronounce the word “quinoa”? I’m only asking because I thought it was something like “kwee-no-ah” and it wasn’t until months later while I was shopping for some quinoa that I overheard people talking about it and realized that I had been mispronouncing it all that time. Luckily, I had only been saying it that way in my own head.
So, for those of you who are still wondering, the proper way to say it is “keen-wa”.
What is Quinoa? (And why you should eat it.)
Quinoa is a seed that is light, fluffy, and tastes more like a grain than a seed. The mild, nutty flavor appeals to most people, including children. Although quinoa has been around for more than 5,000 years, it is increasingly popular in our culture these days, as news of its health benefits spreads worldwide.
This superfood is power-packed with protein (12-18 percent), more than any other grain! It contains all 9 essential amino acids, is gluten-free, high in dietary fiber, and is a good source of calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, copper and iron.
Quinoa is an excellent food choice for people with certain types of dietary restrictions. Besides being gluten-free, the high protein content makes quinoa a staple item for vegetarian and vegan diets. An added bonus is that quinoa is easy for most people to digest.
Easy To Cook!
Cooking quinoa is similar to cooking rice. Simply bring it to a boil in water, reduce heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes. Fluff it with a fork and it’s ready to serve.
The next time your meal calls for rice or couscous, try substituting quinoa in its place.
Do you have a favorite way to serve quinoa? Let me know in the comments.
Nikki C says
I’ve never had quinoa, but I really want to. I’ve just never really known how to cook it or what to serve it with.
Nicole says
I was just like you – and still am as far as finding really tasty ways to cook it. It boils up just like rice, so it is super easy to do a basic cooking job.
I’m seeing lots of creative recipes that I want to try with it that seem like a more appealing way to eat it. I’m experimenting with some and if I find a good one, I’ll post it for sure!
Quinoa flour is easy to substitute in your flours when you bake breads. I have done half quinoa/half regular flour.
Jen V. says
We love quinoa! My favorite way to prepare it is as a cold salad with eggs, walnuts, shredded cheese, and an avocado dressing. We like to take it on picnics in the summer. Sometimes I just serve it as a side plain with a little butter. It really is a versatile grain.
I am Stumbling this from the hop and am a new follower.
Nicole says
Yum, the cold salad way sounds delicious. Could you send me your recipe or if you have posted it on your blog, link me to it? I would love to try it. Please! (no rush). Thanks so much.
Rachel R. says
I’ve never made quinoa, and this is a good reminder that I should check it out. Thanks! I’m also stumbling this from the hop.
Tory Shultz says
Hi Nicole! So glad you talked about Quinoa. I have never tried the stuff, but we love couscous. Is it kind of the same thing?
-Tory
Nicole says
Hi Tory, I’m just getting to know quinoa. We love couscous too, but the more I learn about quinoa, the more I wonder why I’m not making it more often. Here is a simple answer to what I think you are asking (I hope it helps!)
One difference: Quinoa isn’t a wheat product. Couscous is a wheat product. But they do have similarities that make them interchangeable in many recipes. You cook both of them simply by boiling them in water. Quinoa is also tiny and soft (when cooked) like couscous. Another major difference: Quinoa is WAY more nutritious than couscous.
Personally, I have to add seasonings and flavor to the quinoa (like I do with couscous). If you like couscous, I think you’ll probably be into quinoa too. In my opinion, they don’t have a huge difference when it comes to cooked texture and taste. So when I look at it that way, I start to think that I may as well use quinoa for all the added health benefits. Kids don’t seem to notice a difference at all, and like it.
Sidenote: I tried to use quinoa in my meatloaf recipe last night. It wasn’t bad, but it just wasn’t “meatloaf”. LOL Once I get a good collection of quinoa recipes my family likes, I plan to post them on here. My meatloaf won’t be one of them – it was a flop. 🙂
Nikki says
I always pronounced it wrong too. My little brother finally told me how to say it. He’s a food aficionado, so he always knows what he’s talking about.
Laura says
Whole Foods has a really tasty cold quinoa salad in their salad bar – – it’s cranberries, lemon juice, a bit of parsley, but mostly quinoa. All of my little boys love it!
Hannah says
I have an awesome turkey and quinoa meatball recipe! Which reminds me, I haven’t made it in a while…
Nicole says
I may need to get that one from you! I haven’t thought about putting quinoa in a meatball. But that sounds like a good way to use it. I bet meatloaf could be good too.
Mishelle says
I can’t wait to see your recipe. Quinoa is a favorite in my house but I really only fix it one way–need more ideas. My daughter tends to be a picky eater but she loves quinoa with steamed and raw veggies (carrots, cucumbers, tomatoes, and red peppers) with olive oil,lemon juice, and fresh herbs (basil preferred). A little salt and pepper and a tiny pinch of cayenne. She asks for it every week.
Nicole says
Wow, I am impressed that your picky eater will eat those steamed veggies with the quinoa. That’s great! I was surprised that my kids like to eat quinoa. They like rice and couscous though, and this is pretty similar, except has so much more nutritional value. I really want to find and try out new ways to eat it. I will have to post a super easy quinoa recipe that was one of the first ones that I found that we liked. It helped me learn that cooking the quinoa with chicken or vegetable broth instead of just water helps add flavor.
I don’t know if you bake bread or not – but I have also mixed quinoa flour with my other flours to make bread and it is good.
Cher says
My mother-in-law always talks about these, I suppose I should check them out! That is a lot of protein!
(Popping by from the Alexa Blog Hop)