2010 October | Prudent and Practical

October 22, 2010

Spiced Apple Quinoa

Filed under: food — K @ 12:04 AM

Quinoa is a seed that has the texture of a grain. It contains all eight essential amino acids, is high in protein, calcium, and iron, has a decent amount of fiber (3 grams per serving) and is gluten free. I waited so long to try quinoa because it was touted by the health foodies and I was thinking, “Something so good for you, can’t possibly taste that great. And I don’t want to waste money by trying something I may not like.” I finally gave in because it has been getting more popular where I live.

Before cooking quinoa, you need to remove the natural bitter coating (saponins) by soaking it in water. Run cold water over it and gently rub the seeds together. It is more beneficial to also soak the quinoa over night in water:

Author of Nourishing Traditions, Sally Fallon, explains that all grains contain phytic acid in their outer layer. The acid can combine with minerals in the intestinal tract and block their absorbtion, which can lead to mineral deficiencies and bone loss. Soaking for as little as seven hours allows enzymes to break down and neutralize phytic acid and enzyme inhibitors… Not technically a grain, but the fruit of the Chenopodium family, it [quinoa] has superior nutritional properties. All quinoa products should be soaked – Andean Indians recognize that the antinutrients in quinoa are neutralized this way.

Uses for Quinoa

Quinoa’s taste and texture are similar to rice. It feels lighter in the mouth and tastes a bit nuttier. Use two parts water to one part quinoa.
Eat it plain or with some butter, salt, and pepper.
For breakfast, add honey, maple syrup, a little milk, nuts, and/or dried fruit to cooked quinoa.
For lunch and dinner, use quinoa in place of rice. For a different flavor, use stock in place of water when cooking the quinoa.
Quinoa can be found at any health food store. If you’re skeptical about the price, get a small amount from the bulk bins to try before you buy a larger amount.

Hot Apple Quinoa

Ingredients:
½ cup quinoa
½ cup brown rice
1 apple, cored and chopped
1 tsp ground cinnamon, cardamom, or a mix of both
2 cups water
2 tablespoons raisins
2 tablespoons dried cranberries or additional raisins
2 tablespoons chia seeds (These little guys are filling, high in Omega-3s, and high in fiber. A little goes a long way!)
2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup

Instructions:
1. In a pot, combine quinoa, rice, apple, cinnamon and water.

2. Cook until water is absorbed (like cooking rice).

3. Stir in dried fruit, seeds, and honey.

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