3 Ways to Eat Quinoa

When I decided to be a "healthier" vegetarian I researched several foreign-to-me foods, including quinoa. I even wrote about my discovery of the protein-packed grain on this blog back in August of 2010.
Cooked quinoa. Photo courtesy Morguefile.

Check out "What is quinoa?".

Since that was nearly two years ago, I've had a little time to experiment with cooking several types of quinoa. Here are my top three favorite ways to eat the rice-like grain!

How to Eat Quinoa

1. If you're new to the world of quinoa, simply pour a little into a simmering pot of broth-based soup or chili. It thickens the soup while adding fiber and vitamins.

2. Cook quinoa in a rice cooker. Use two parts water to one part quinoa. When done, season with some fresh garlic and use as a base for homemade stir fry in lieu of rice.

3. Use quinoa as a base for a cold salad. Instead of using pasta, toss fresh chopped vegetables, chunks of cheese and your favorite salad dressing with cold quinoa.

So, how do you eat quinoa? Make me hungry!

Until Next Time,
Choose Healthy!

Angela Tague
Whole Foods Living

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11 comments:

  1. Never heard of the stuff, but sounds like a nice change to rice and pasta. Might have to check that out.

    Stopping by from the A-Z Challenge, blogging at Write, Wrong or Indifferent.

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    1. It is a nice change! Plus there are several varieties. The red quinoa is fun to use in holiday dishes! Thanks for stopping by! ~Angela

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    1. Awesome! It's a great uncommon source of protein! :)

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  3. We use it like a hot cereal sometimes, with a little butter, honey and cinnamon. Great post!

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    1. Oh, that sounds good! I'll have to try it sometime! I like oatmeal and corn mush, so I imagine hot quinoa cereal would be similar!

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  4. I couldn't get myself to like quinoa...no matter what I did with it. Trust me, I tried because I have read how good it is for you. Now barley...that's a different story. Love my barley :)

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    1. Interesting! I have never tried barley "plain". I've had it in soups, beer and bread, but never alone. Hmmm... I can't really try it now though because I'm gluten-sensitive. :( ~Angela

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  5. I've tried making it a few times and my Mom and husband really love it, for me it kinda tastes very earthy like dirt but not so much. I'm sure if I ate it more I'd acquire more of a taste for it.

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  6. I'm definitely new to it and have wondered how to prepare quinoa, since it seems as though EVERYONE is talking about it and using it in recipes. Thanks for the post and ideas!

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  7. It looks and sounds delicious! It reminds me a little of couscous, which I love. I'll have to give quinoa a try.

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