Quinoa, Food of the Gods

I first talked about Quinoa in my blog entry The Protein Myth. This amazing grain is a complete source of protein and extremely versatile. The Incans planted this grain each year at Solstice, in honor of the gods. I thought I'd share a few recipes with you.

Quinoa Salad


Ingredients:
3/4 cup uncooked quinoa
1 1/2 cups water
1 (15 ounce) can black beans, drained
1 carrot, diced
1 celery stalk, diced
6 cherry tomatoes, quartered
1 scallion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 small cucumber, sliced
juice from 1/2 lemon
1/4 cup olive oil
1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
dash cayenne pepper
dash cumin
salt and pepper, to taste

Directions:
1. Boil quinoa in a rice cooker or saucepan with water until all water is absorbed. Set aside to cool.
2. Combine all chopped veggies and drained beans with lemon juice, oil, vinegar and spices.
3. Toss with quinoa, add salt and pepper to taste and serve. Good with hot sauce!

Makes: serves two, with leftovers, Preparation time: 15 minutes, Cooking time: 15 minutes

Nutty Quinoa Hash


Ingredients:
1 cup uncooked quinoa, rinsed
2 cups water
2 medium potatoes, diced
1 small onion, chopped
2 large stalks celery, chopped
1 small green bell pepper, chopped
1/2 small zucchini, chopped
1 can (16 oz) corn, or pre-cooked fresh or frozen corn
favorite all-purpose seasoning (I use a spicy Creole blend)
at least 3 tablespoon crunchy peanut butter, or 3 tablespoon creamy and 2 teaspoon chopped peanuts

Directions:
In a medium saucepan, bring the two cups of water to a boil over medium-high heat. Add the quinoa, return to a boil, cover and reduce heat to medium-low. Simmer until all water has been absorbed. Set aside.

In a large skillet, heat olive or canola oil on medium heat. Add the potatoes; cook, stirring occasionally, until potatoes are thoroughly cooked and slightly crispy. Add the onion, celery, and bell pepper; cook until each is slightly soft. Add zucchini & corn; cook until zucchini is soft and corn is heated through. Add seasoning to taste. Remove from heat.

Add the peanut butter to the quinoa and stir until thoroughly blended. Add chopped nuts, if using, and stir. Add the quinoa to the vegetables and mix well.

Serves: 4-6
Preparation time: 20 min.

What are your favorite Quinoa recipes? Share them here!

Love and Gratitude

Shanna ♥