Quinoa (pronounced kinwa) is a grain like crop and it is being referred to as a super grain or super food owing to the high nutritional content. It is known to have originated from South America thousands of years ago where it was the primary crop and was revered with the name “mother of grains”.
Nutritional content in Quinoa
Quinoa grains contain very high levels of protein and are acknowledged to be a rich source of complete protein. Besides, it has lysine and other essential amino acids and high fibre content in addition to a high concentration of minerals such as calcium, magnesium, phosphorous and iron. Quinoa is also gluten-free and is supposedly easy to digest. Eating Quinoa also helps you to understand how to lose belly fat.
Who can consume Quinoa?
Anyone who is looking for a nutritious and filling meal can opt for Quinoa. There are several yummy recipes of Quinoa to choose from. Vegans and lactose intolerant folks have a fabulous alternative for dairy products in Quinoa, as it has the requisite levels of calcium, an important mineral for a healthy physique. Because of its high protein content, it is also a preferred food among sports people; it provides them with the necessary stamina and endurance during vigorous activities.
Ideal time to eat Quinoa
Quinoa appears to be used in most recipes as an alternative to rice and wheat, not only because of its nutritional value but also because its taste is comparable to these grains and it is cooked on similar lines. Quinoa grains are used whole or as flakes, flour, pasta etc., depending on recipes and preferences. So, any meal where rice or wheat is used can be logically substituted with Quinoa. This seems to make Quinoa suitable for consumption at any time of the day.
Basic Quinoa recipe hand in hand with a salad recipe
Quinoa, a light but wholesome grain can be cooked quickly:
Add 2 cups of water to a cup of Quinoa grains, in a saucepan. Bring it to a boil and then cover and leave it on a low flame for around 10 to 15 minutes, till the water is absorbed and the grain turns tender. Quinoa is considered to be cooked when the white grain turns transparent and a spiral germ separates from each grain (like a sprout). 1 cup of Quinoa produces 3 cups of the same, cooked. Other methods for cooking Quinoa grain include using a rice cooker or pressure cooker, treating it like rice grain.
Here is how to prepare the delicious, healthy and filling Quinoa salad in a jiffy:
Required:
5 cups of cooked Quinoa
1 cup finely chopped or grated carrot
¾ cup minced parsley
1 cup sunflower seeds
¼ cup olive oil
¼ cup soy sauce
Tomatoes and black olives for garnishing
Method:
Firstly, allow the cooked Quinoa to cool
Next add the carrot, parsley and sunflower seeds and mix them all well.
After pouring the liquids, toss the salad lightly to blend in all the ingredients
Finally do the garnishing with tomato pieces and olives, before setting out the salad for serving.
The above quantity should be enough for 6 to 8 people.
Author Bio: Marguerite being a fitness enthusiast loves to blog on fitness and topics related to fitness. You can check out her latest post on How to lose belly fat on her website.
