Quinoa

[gwyncara]

Okay, with all the talk of dieting and eating habits lately, I've been researching some new food choices and one of the is Quinoa (pronounced keen-wa). Have any of you every tried it? Is it good? Got any good recipes?

I'm also looking into more wheat-free / gluten-free products. Any recommendations or favorites?

Thanks!

GwynCara (who REALLY wants the majority of the pudgy middle gone!)

[mish_mish]

I eat quinoa several times a week. It's easy to make--just just check the package for water ratio--usually it's one part quinoa to two parts water. You throw it all into the water at once and bring to a simmer, then turn down the heat, cover it and let it cook for 15 minutes. Then you just fluff it up and enjoy.

If you like brown rice, you will probably like quinoa. It's kind of firm, but tender. I eat it with chicken or shrimp all the time with just a teeny bit of salt.

[danidance]

I really like Quinoa - I mix the Red variety and the White for fun (the red is a little more flavorful). I usually make it as a couscous type salad. Basically, just substitute cooked quinoa for cooked couscous and add vegetables and a little vinaigrette.

Look up couscous recipes on Epicurious.com and then see where substitutions would work.

[mish_mish]

Oh, Dani, where do you get red quinoa? I didn't even know there was any other kind--I get mine at Trader Joes or Whole Foods.

[calegre]

I eat lots of Quinoa! Also, I'm from Peru so that's a staple for us, great nutritional value. Too bad I never learned how to cook while I lived there...
It's great in salads, just chop some sweet peppers, onions, and season with lemon juice, olive oil, salt & pepper... hmmm
Also, you could make it into a rice pudding type of dessert, substituting the rice, and if you use skim milk it shouldn't be too bad (my sister does this, I don't know how though).

[danidance]

Mish - it's from Whole Foods and it is nuttier and firmer. I like it way better!
but the mixture is pretty.

Originally Posted by mish_mish

Oh, Dani, where do you get red quinoa? I didn't even know there was any other kind--I get mine at Trader Joes or Whole Foods.

[mish_mish]

I must have just totally walked right past it...I will have to give it a try. Quinoa is major food group for me, so new varieties sound good (although I don't think I can eat it at all right now!).

[shahravar]

It is good! It was considered one of the original "grains" I believe...very ancient.

[gwyncara]

I just made my very first trip to Trader Joe's. Got 3 boxes of quinoa, a loaf of sprouted wheat bread, 2 things of pizza dough, and some sushi. Oh boy!!! I think I'm gonna like that store!!

[mish_mish]

trader joes is great. love that store and the prices are excellent.

[shahravar]

What cities are Trader Joes?
Here we had Wild Oats but they were just bought by Whole foods.

[gwyncara]

Shahravar

check out www.traderjoes.com They have a locator to help you find the closest one to you.

[jessedan]

Quinoa (we spell it Quinua in spanish, which is derived from the Quechua word) is delicious as a breakfast cereal too. When I lived in Ecuador it was available everywhere and I used to buy it as a puffed breakfast cereal, kind of like Rice Krispies. I've never tried it cooked though. It's one of the most complete and nutritious grains around, and it's a staple in the Andean Regions of Peru, Ecuador and Bolivia.

Regards
Priscilla

[jewelsdances]

I work in a Peruvian restaurant, and we make "Quinotto" which is a quinoa based risotto. It has cheese, cream, wild mushroom, you can add corn or other veggies to it, and use more veg stock if you don't like cream. But it makes it taste sooo good!

[gwyncara]

oooo..... Quinotto sounds REALLY good!! (where is a "drooling" smilie when you need one??)

[mish_mish]

It does sound good...I love when I learn that I can do new things with food I cook all the time.