I had decided a long time ago not to get stuck on same foods. The benefit of a whole foods, unprocessed, vegan diet is that you are almost forced to try something different as frequently as possible, because you realize the importance of nutrition.
This month my new food item to try was QUINOA. I know it is not new to a lot of you out there. However, I did not grow up eating it, or even knowing what it was.
So far I had tried a couple of different recipes. First is very simple: cook according to instructions, with no salt or spices. When it cools off, use it as your cereal grain, with almond milk, a drizzle of honey and blueberries, and a dash of sea or Himalayan salt. Very simple and very delicious.
My second variation was a savory recipe, made more like rice pilaf… minus the rice, of course. I really enjoyed the outcome, although I have a feeling that in the future I will try making it with cumin.
Quinoa Pilaf tasted great with a refreshing cucumber salad, and I also ate it with freshly fermented, raw sauerkraut.
Quinoa Pilaf
Ingredients:
- 1 large onion, cubed
- 3 medium-large carrots, thinly sliced
- 3 cloves garlic
- 2 tbs extra virgin olive oil
- 4 tbs finely chopped dill
- 3 cups quinoa
- 5.5 cups water
- Sea or Himalyan salt to taste
- 1 tbs your favorite seasoning [I used Kirkland organic blend]
Preparation:
- In a pan, in oil saute onion, carrots, and garlic, for 5-7 mins on medium heat
- Add spices
- Add quinoa, salt and pour in water; stir.
- Bring to boil; reduce heat to medium and simmer until water is 2/3 is gone; stir occasionally
- Reduce heat to low; cover the pan and allow grain to cook through
- Add dill, stir and serve
Cucumber Salad
Ingredients:
- 2 english cucumbers, sliced [if you are not using organic cucumbers I would highly recommend to peel them]
- 2 tbs green onions, chopped
- 1-2 tbs dill, chopped
- 1 tbsp Veganaise
Preparation:
- Combine all ingredients and refrigerate until ready to serve
The meal is delightful and feeling. The benefits and nutrition in quinoa are mind blowing. Here are just a few facts.
In 1 cup of cooked quinoa you will find following Minerals:
- Calcium 31.5mg--3% of Daily Value
- Iron 2.8mg--15% of Daily Value
- Magnesium 118mg--30% of Daily Value
- Phosphorus 281mg--28% of Daily Value
- Potassium 318mg--9% of Daily Value
- Sodium 13.0mg--1% of Daily Value
- Zinc 2.0mg--13% of Daily Value
- Copper 0.4mg--18% of Daily Value
- Manganese 1.2mg--58% of Daily Value
- Selenium 5.2mcg--7%of Daily Value
There are numerous Vitamins in it too. AND, it is a COMPLETE protein! It is really a power house!
I ate more than 2 cups in a day, so I have met a lot of the nutritional needs with one simple meal. After all, that's what food is for--to fuel our bodies for best performance.
Do you have favorite Quinoa recipes?
