Why You Should Care About This Paleo-Friendly Super Food

No doubt, quinoa is definitely a popular food choice for those who want to eat and stay healthy. It is high in vitamins, minerals and other nutrients that your body needs. Thus, it is perfect for those who want to lose weight, control their diabetes and hypertension, or who just simply want to live a healthy lifestyle.

Quinoa is an awesome grain alternative because of it’s high protein content. One cup of quinoa contains 9 grams of protein and about 220 calories. Compare that to one cup of brown rice which contains 5 grams of protein and about 219 calories, or to one egg which contains 5 grams of protein. On average, humans require 50 grams of protein per day.

Not only does quinoa contain a lot of protein but it contains 9 of the essential amino acids making it a complete protein which makes it similar to animal proteins. And better yet, quinoa is gluten-free and provides a lower carbohydrate grain alternative as well as being Paleo-friendly because it is classified as a seed, not a grain.

It is easy to cook quinoa, but you can also ruin the batch just as easily if you don’t do it the right way. You can easily end up with a batch of soggy quinoa versus the desired fluffy consistency.

Here are the basic steps for cooking straight quinoa. It comes in many colors and the cooking instructions are the same for all varieties.

Basic Steps For Preparing Quinoa

It is best to rinse your quinoa seeds before cooking them. This rinsing will help reduce the saponins which can impart a bitter taste to the quinoa if they are not removed. All you need is a fine strainer or a cheese cloth, then rinse for several minutes. For optimal results, soak the quinoa for an hour or more before rinsing, but this step is optional.

  Now, you are ready to cook the quinoa. Place one part quinoa to two parts of water or stock in a saucepan. If you have a dish or recipe in mind, you can make use of any liquid that best suits such dish. Furthermore, you may add more or less water for a desired consistency. One part quinoa to two parts water is just the standard measurement. Bring the mixture to a boil, then decrease the heat it to low, cover and simmer for about thirty to thirty-five minutes.

  Let the quinoa sit. Remove the quinoa off the stove but allow it to sit covered for five more minutes. The quinoa is now ready to be used in any recipe. Or, you may simply add some season and butter and enjoy as is.

Serve the freshly cooked quinoa while warm, or store in refrigerator to be used in another recipe.

Notes:

  Want a nuttier taste? Some people fry (lightly toast) the quinoa grains before before cooking which helps bring out the quinoa’s nutty flavor. This is definitely something you should try to get a different taste from your quinoa.

  Like a fluffier quinoa? Try using a 1:1 quinoa to water ratio. According to America’s Test Kitchen, the quinoa available today is more evenly dried, and their testing found that a 1-to-1 ratio with water produces “a much lighter dish with more bite and snap.”

Quinoa For Breakfast?

As you may know, breakfast is an important meal of the day. It kickstarts your day and gives you the nutrients you need to keep you going throughout the day. Thus, if you choose to start it well with a quinoa breakfast that is highly nutritious, you will surely be equipped and ready for the day’s work

There are actually several easy options when it comes to preparing a breakfast with quinoa.

Hot Quinoa Porridge

Perhaps the most common and simple quinoa breakfast idea is hot cereal in the morning. Cook the grains with a 1:1:1 ratio of grains:water:milk using any milk of choice such as coconut milk or almond milk. Stir in 1/4 teaspoon of cinnamon while cooking. Serve cooked quinoa with your favorite breakfast toppings such as diced fruit, chopped nuts, or coconut flakes. Pack yourself with lots of great vitamins, minerals and nutrients for the day with this quinoa porridge!

More Reasons to Choose Quinoa

This super food seed. quinoa also known as “the gold of the Incas”, mainly because the Incas were the ones who discovered this highly nutritious seed and fed it to their warriors who then experienced a significant increase in their stamina.

Quinoa is considered a complex carbohydrate that acts as cleansing agents on your digestive tract. Like other seed crops, it contains a good source of fiber which assists in cleansing and detoxify the digestive system and fighting cancer.

Quinoa seeds offers a source for many important vitamins and minerals including manganese, magnesium, copper, iron, as well as phosphorous, zinc and folate. As you may know, zinc is powerful for maintaining a healthy and strong immune system, and folate and vitamin B both support the liver. Quinoa is indeed a miracle food of the ancient Incas and still today it continues its benefits to mankind.