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Quinoa: What Makes It So Great + My Favorite Quinoa Recipes & More

February 17, 2016 Joanna Crawford

Quinoa is one of those foods that has been talked about so much lately. It makes people that aren’t really into all the trends or “superfoods" want to look the other way. I get it. I hate fad diets or certain food crazes, and I especially hate when people tell you that any one food can make you lose weight, prevent everything, or cure you from anything. It’s bogus.

If you have been following along with my blogs, you know that I believe in everything in moderation. No food is bad if kept within the appropriate amount. Over consuming anything is when it gets dangerous. I mean, vitamins and minerals can be toxic if taken in high doses. So like I said, all in moderation. I could really go on and on about this but I am going to jump right back to my point and save the rambling for another blog!

So back to quinoa....oh yeah....one of my all time favorites. It is listed on my kitchen staples and is always present in our house. It can’t cure cancer or prevent you from ever getting heart disease (I know, I am really selling it to you aren’t I?) but it really is so great for you.

Here is why...

  • Quinoa may fall under the grain group when we are talking food groups but it is also considered a WHOLE protein (this means that it contains all 9 essential amino acids that are necessary for our dietary needs). Most grains are incomplete proteins and have to be combined with beans or other vegetables to create that whole protein. Therefore, if you are a vegetarian THIS would be a great option!
  • It is a good source of fiber that helps you to stay fuller, helps your bowels stay regulated, and also helps reduce blood sugar and cholesterol levels.
  • It is loaded with antioxidants, especially flavonoids, which are shown to have anti-inflammatory benefits.
  • It is gluten-free, which is great for those with gluten intolerances (and only those with intolerances….***if you are not intolerant there is no reason for you to cut gluten out and this would not be a benefit).
  • It is high in minerals that some people lack, such as magnesium, potassium, zinc, and iron.
  • It is SOOO easy to cook and incorporate in your main dishes or sides.

Some other facts about quinoa?

  • It is pronounced KEEN-wah

  • It has been used for thousands of years in South Africa even though it just became trendy and considered a “superfood” a few years ago...apparently America is just late to the table.
  • It is a pseudocereal, along with its friends buckwheat and chia. 
  • There are 3 main types of quinoa: red, black, and white. They all vary slightly in their cook time and crunchiness but contain the same nutritional value. White is the most common and cooks the fastest while also being the least crunchy.

My Favorite Quinoa Recipes To Make (and this list keeps on growing)...

 

1. Quinoa +Kale Salad

This is seriously my favorite of all the recipes to make because it is sooo yummy, filling, savory yet sweet, and so so simple to make! The ingredients varies depending on what all we have in the fridge (so I guess you could call this a dumpster bowl some nights...I think quinoa kale salad sounds way more appealing though). 

Ingredients for salad:

  • 1 cup cooked quinoa
  •  kale (I use the bagged kale and usually use about half the bag)
  • 1/2 red onion, chopped
  • ¼ cup feta cheese
  • berries (any kind will do, my favorite are blackberries and blueberries to add)
  • ¼ cup Craisins
  • 1 avodado chopped

Ingredients for dressing

  • ¼ cup red wine vinegar or lemon juice (in all honesty, most of the time this is all I use because it already has so much flavor with the fruit addition so I don’t add oil to save calories).
  • 1 Tablespoon of olive oil (if you need this extra flavor, add it in but watch your amount, trying to stick to just a tablespoon…it may seem like a little amount but I promise it will go a long way).

Directions:

  1. Boil the quinoa, following directions on the box.
  2. While you are waiting for your quinoa to cook, put the kale and onions in a large pot with about 2 tablespoons of water and cook on medium heat. Cook the kale and onions until it softened and remove from heat. Add the quinoa to the pot of kale.
  3. Combine all the other ingredients to the kale and quinoa and mix together. Add in the dressing (lemon juice to taste or both lemon juice and olive oil combined together). Serve as your main dish or as a side with some chicken or fish.

2.  Garlic lemon quinoa with feta

Wanting a more savory side to your meals? This one is amazing and a great addition to some baked fish!! I adapted this recipe from one I found from a Martha Stewart recipe! It is seriously so yummy so give it a try!

Ingredients:

  •  1 cup quinoa
  • 1 teaspoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  •  1 cup cucumber, diced
  • 2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice
  • 1/3 cup feta cheese, crumbled
  • 1 garlic clove, minced
  • 1/3 cup fresh dill

Directions:

  1. Cook quinoa, following directions on box. Move from heat when done.
  2. Stir in cucumbers, feta cheese, paprika, dill, olive oil, garlic, and lemon juice. Season with salt and pepper and enjoy!

3. Cinnamon Quinoa Pancakes

I actually shared this recipe about a month ago! Such a great option for breakfast and only about 100 calories for each pancake (depending on how big you make your pancakes). Click here to get the recipe. 

Want some more amazing quinoa recipe ideas??? Hop on over to damndelicious.net to find 15 more amazing recipes! Some of my favorites from there?

Quinoa Enchilada Casserole

image and recipe from damndelicious.net

image and recipe from damndelicious.net

Quinoa Stuffed Bell Peppers

image and recipe by damndelicous.net

image and recipe by damndelicous.net

Black Bean Quinoa Salad

image and recipe by damndelicious.net

image and recipe by damndelicious.net

Blueberry Breakfast Quinoa

image and recipe by damndelicous.net

image and recipe by damndelicous.net

Want to see the recipes of these beauties or find some other quinoa options? Click HERE and start cooking!

I hope I have helped you fall in love with quinoa as much as I have after reading this! There is so much that can be done with quinoa so how about you make it a staple in your home too? 

What are your favorite quinoa recipes? Feel free to share with me!!!

Happy Wednesday Everyone!!!

JO

 

 

In Food and Nutrition, quinoa pancakes, Quinoa, Food, Recipes Tags quinoa, recipes, health, cooking, wellness, balance
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Meet Joanna

Thanks for stopping by! I am a registered dietitian in Nashville, TN with a passion for helping people live healthier and happier...I am also a new wife, a mother of a crazy dog named Huckleberry, a lover of running and all things active, a novice cook who never follows directions, a coffee addict all days of the week, and a dancer anytime I hear music playing....read more


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I turned 31 yesterday and was spoiled with love from my family and friends...My 30s started with a one month old and ended with a one year old and almost 30 weeks preggo😱

This is definitely not what I pictured or planned but man, do I feel grateful! I’ve slept way less, drank wine way less (😩), and seen my body go through so many changes this past year. But I’ve also gotten to know the joy of being a mother and snuggling my sweet babe all the while feeling another baby kicking in my belly and I can tell you without a doubt that there is nothing better. God’s plans are way better than our own and I’m so thankful to be blessed with so much in just a year! 30, you were crazy and wonderful....but I have a feeling 31 is going to take the cake 🎂 😱 (it’s a good thing I thrive in chaos😂). #CountingDownTheDaysForMoreWine #NeedingAllTheCoffee 📷 : @jesslovett1218 😘😘 ”Oh the places you will go...you’ve got brains in your head, you’ve got shoes on your feet, you can steer yourself in any direction you choose. Kid, you’ll move mountains”

A successful FIRST birthday for our little pilot!! Gray partied hard with his family and friends and had the best time!

Time flies when you’re having fun and I can’t wait for years of more fun with our little man! And just like that we have a toddler😭😭😭....how has this year flown by so quickly? How is my lil bambino ONE?
-
Gray Jamison you have lit up our world with your smiles, laughter, and curiosity! You spoiled us with good sleep starting at about 6 weeks and have always been our chill little man that’s happy and content! You think dada is the funniest and love wrestling with him (already 🤪) and love getting chased by mama! You point to EVERYTHING and babble as if you are having a conversation (but we still don’t know what you’re saying🤷🏼‍♀️). Your goofy and playful personality just keeps popping out and keeps us laughing. Your nose scrunch when you’re happy and laughing melts me and your dad and I hope you keep it forever! You have 8 teeth already with a molar already piercing through to make 9 and LOVE to eat with those chompers just like mom and dad! You dance anytime you hear music and got rhythm like yo mama🕺🏼
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Happy Birthday baby Gray! You may be a toddler now but you will forever be our baby😭! We can’t wait to celebrate you this weekend 🥳!!! The best weekend, celebrating the best couple, with my best girls and best boo, with the best weather! Did I mention it was the best? #ijustlovemypeople #goingtothechappell

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