Since coming home from Hawaii, Laurel and I and our hubbies have been trying to get healthier and shed our Christmas layer with Herbalife. The plan allows for a “reasonable” dinner consisting of a palm-sized portion of lean protein, about two cups of colourful veggies and about 1 cup of a whole grain…quinoa was suggested as a good option. I had used quinoa a bit before, but I’ve looked into it more and have tried using it in different ways. The great thing about quinoa is that is acts a bit like a chameleon…it’s great at taking on flavours and can be used for sweet or savory.
The quinoa on the left is raw and on the right is cooked
Quinoa is known to be an “ancient grain” or a “superfood”. Quinoa is high in protein, it’s gluten-free, it’s high in fibre and vitamins and contains all 8 essential amino acids. For more information on the nutritional value of quinoa, go to http://www.quinoa365.com/whyquinoa.html
Most recipes call for cooked quinoa. Follow the package instructions, but usually you need to rinse the quinoa first, then add two parts water to one part quinoa in a pot, cover, bring to a boil, then simmer covered for about 15 min. Fluff with a forks and you are good to go.
Here are some of our fave quinoa recipes and here’s to getting healthier while eating great tasting food!
1. Almond- Cranberry Quinoa Cookies http://www.bonappetit.com/recipes/2012/01/almond-cranberry-quinoa-cookies
Almond-Cranberry Quinoa Cookies and tea....ok, I only actually had one but that would have looked too sad on the plate!
I made these yesterday and they were REALLY good. Had to say that my expectations were not too high and I was pleasantly surprised. My daughter, Dylan, loved them too which is a bonus. She doesn’t love eating meat and these cookies have protein in them!
What a great, healthy snack for kids. To send them to school, leave out the almonds and add shredded coconut. Also just add a bit more vanilla and leave out the almond extract.
A couple of notes for the recipe…I baked them at 350 degrees and not 375. I also baked them for 5 minutes, turned the pan, and then let them bake another 5 minutes. I prefer a chewier cookie. Also, when you form them on the pan, you need to pat them down like this….
or they will end up being quinoa balls, like my first attempt! Epic fail!
Vicki saw our tweet about this recipe. She made them with dried cherries and loved them. Great idea!
2. Quinoa Tabouli – this is a light, fresh tasting side to most any dinner
TABOULI from http://www.quinoa.net/181.html
2 cups quinoa, cooked 1/2 tsp basil
1 cup chopped parsley 1/2 cup lemon juice
1/2 cup chopped scallions 1/4 cup olive oil
2 TBL fresh mint or 1 TBL dried mint salt and pepper to taste
1 garlic clove, pressed lettuce leaves, whole
1/4 cup olives, sliced
Place all ingredients except lettuce and olives in a mixing bowl and toss together lightly. Chill for 1 hour or more to allow flavors to blend. Wash and dry lettuce leaves and use them to line a salad bowl. Add tabooli and garnish with olives. Serves 4
Sometimes my local grocery store does not carry basil in the winter. I used this Gourmet Garden Basil from the produce section.
This is a little trick that I learned from Rachel Ray...squeeze the lemon upside down and seeds won't escape!
The finished product!! I left out the lettuce leaves.
3. The first time I ever had quinoa was when my friend, Andrea, made this salad. I’m not sure of the exact recipe that she used, but here’s one that I’ve found that is very good. http://www.epicurious.com/recipes/member/views/COPYCAT-EARLS-WEST-COAST-PRAWN-SALAD-WITH-CITRUS-HONEY-VINAIGRETTE-50072117
This salad is REALLY good! And if you don’t want to make it, you can order it at Earl’s, however, it is only available seasonally (spring/summer).
Earl's West Coast Prawn Salad photo courtesy of http://citystyleandliving.blogspot.com/2011/05/earls-kitchen-and-bar-introduces-chefs.html
4. Quinoa Greek Salad – ok, this is an easy one!! Mix cooked quinoa with diced up cucumbers, grape tomatoes, cut up bell peppers, olives, crumble in a bit of feta and add your favorite Greek dressing! So good! Thanks to our reader Candice for the tip!
Ready to be tossed up with Greek dressing
Quinoa Greek Salad....serve with a grilled chicken breast and you have a healthy meal!
Here’s what our readers had to say about quinoa…
Libby said, “One of my favorite things to add to quinoa is edamame, and a greek quinoa salad is always good!”~adding edamame increases the protein…great idea!
Rachel added, “This one is delicious: http://www.justataste.com/
Kathie said, “This tasted excellent. Next time I am going to add some asian spice, soya sauce and bean sprouts for a different take! http://allrecipes.com/
