Keen for Quinoa?

The term "superfood" gets bandied about a lot these days. Call me cynical, but its appearance tends to be rather arbitrary and to the benefit of someone's pocket. I mean, there is no scale of "superfoodiness" to direct our analysis or even a set of guidelines to guide our hand... I do agree that not all foods are created equal, but as long as you eat a good variety of fresh, well sourced produce, you aren't going to be missing out on your super-5 a day... I'd like to help you add one more great food to the table - Quinoa (Keen-Waah)...

Sacred Quinoa

Something to tell the un-Quinitiated: Quinoa is an ancient grain-like seed, first cultivated in the Andes around 5000 years ago!  Sacred to many civilisations, the Incans called it the 'mother grain'.

Quinoa facts:

• Quinoa is a rarity amongst vegetables in that it contains all 8 essential amino acids - which is pretty useful if you are vegetarian. Thus, great to mix with legumes, which can be lacking in certain essentials. 
• Quinoa is also 12-18% protein, depending on the variety and around 6% fat - which is good for satiating your hunger. 
• It is also gluten free, so perfect for those who cannot tolerate it and this also means it doesn't bloat you like other grains can.

A few great quinoa dishes...

• Try mixing some cooked quinoa with lime zest, chili, chopped coriander and a little grated cheese and topping some succulent cod loins before grilling or baking. This gives the cod a crispy and vibrant flavour and can simulate fish and chips - without the nasty trans-fats! (Serve with a few baked sweet potato wedges and some fresh minted peas for a full 'fish supper'.
• You can make a great lunch salad by mixing quinoa with avocado, tomatoes, onion, olives, basil, alfalfa sprouts, leaves of your choice and either chicken or tuna. Make an olive oil, mustard and lemon dressing to keep it moist and full of flavour.
• If you are vegetarian, you can replace rice with quinoa in any number of dishes, or add it to stir fries and salads for the extra protein. You could also coat tofu in roasted (dry in a pan) quinoa before cooking, perhaps mixing this with sesame seeds. 
• Dry-roast quinoa in a pan - it should 'pop' - and add it to home made muesli to use as a morning cereal.

I hope you find a place for quinoa in your kitchen... it's a great, healthy food that can add a wonderful, healthy variety to all sorts of dishes.