Basic Quinoa
Benefits:
Quinoa contains 16-20% protein and is high in cystine, lysine, and methionine amino acids that tend to be low in other grains. Additionally, it contains iron, calcium, and phosphorus, B vitamins, and vitamin E.
Ingredients:
1 Cup Quinoa
2 Cups water or broth
3 additional cups of water for soaking
1 Tbsp of lemon juice, buttermilk, or yogurt
A pinch of salt to taste
Directions:
Soak quinoa over night in 3 cups of water with a tbsp of lemon juice, buttermilk, or yogurt. This will reduce antinutrients and increase nutritive qualities. Antinutrients are natural or synthetic compounds that interfere with the absorption of nutrients.
Rinse and drain quinoa well. Place the cup of quinoa in a medium size pot, add the two cups of water or broth and bring to a boil. Add the salt and reduce heat to low and simmer for 15 to 20 minutes, until the liquid is absorbed and the grains become transparent.
The beautiful thing about preparing this grain is that your taste buds are in command! So, add whatever you’d like to the finished product! I eat it for breakfast, lunch or dinner.
Here are some suggestions for add-ins:
¼ C salad dressing
Fresh cilantro
Fresh parsley
Fresh basil
Fresh rosemary
Grape tomatoes
Chopped olives
Fresh spinach
Chopped green onions
Chopped cucumber
Toasted almonds
Cheese
Butter