HC

If you’ve never tried quinoa, now is the time! Quinoa is highly nutritious, easy to prepare and can be used in a variety of dishes.

 

Although newly popular in the US, quinoa was actually a staple grain used about 3,000 to 4, 000 years ago in the Andean region of South America; which encompasses Venezuela, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, and Bolivia. Although quinoa is known as an ancient grain; it is actually the edible seed of a green leafy plant. With an excellent nutritional value, quinoa contains complete proteins, providing all nine amino acids necessary for good health. Quinoa is also a good source of dietary fiber and iron.

 

This gluten free seed is very versatile and fairly inexpensive. I purchased a 4 pound bag of Nature’s Intent Organic Andean Gold Quinoa at Costco for about 18 dollars. Although this may seem expensive on a college budget, it lasts a long time. I cook using my quinoa about 2-3 times per week; have had it for a month now and it’s only half gone. Therefore, you clearly get “a lot of bang for your buck”.

 

Quinoa is an extremely versatile grain that can be used in endless amounts of dishes. However, today I will just share with you a few of my favorites. Both of these dishes require use to used cooked quinoa.

 

Quinoa cooking instructions:

• Using 2 cups of water or broth per one cup of quinoa, in a saucepan bring the liquid to a boil.

• Add quinoa, cover, reduce heat and let simmer for about 15 minutes or until quinoa is tender but still chewy and       white threads appear around each grain (liquid should be completely absorbed so no need to drain)

 

CHEESE QUINOA AND BROCCOLI CAKES

(Makes about 4)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Directions

• First, cook your quinoa according to the directions on the packaging (should be similar to directions listed above. Once the quinoa has absorbed all the water, put it on a plate and let it cool completely.

• Sauté your diced onion until it’s soft and translucent. Set aside and let cool completely.

• Cook your broccoli until it has softened a little bit then let that cool as well. Once the broccoli has cooled completely, dice it into small pieces.

• Now that you have everything ready, in a large bowl, mix all the ingredients together, leaving the egg until the end. Mix well so you have a smooth, wet mixture that will allow you to make patties that will stick together.

• Heat some olive oil in a pan, and make your patties. I made each using 1/4 cup of the mixture. Just make a ball out of the mixture, and squash it down a little bit. Cook each patty for about 7 – 8 minutes on each side on medium heat. You want the patty to develop a crust, but not to burn, so watch them carefully. Let them cool for a couple minutes before eating.

 

 

QUINOA MAC & CHEESE

(serves about 8)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Directions:

• Preheat oven to 350 degrees and coat 13x9 inch dish with cooking spray.

• Cook your quinoa according to the directions on the packaging (should be similar to directions listed above. Once the quinoa has absorbed all the water, put it on a plate and let it cool completely).

• Lightly sauté any veggies you would like to add to the dish. 

• Whisk together eggs and milk in large bowl.

• Add quinoa and cheese then stir well and let some of the cheese melt. 

• Transfer to prepared baking dish and if using Crushed red pepper or Bread crumbs, add now.

• Bake 30-35 minutes or until bread crumbs are browned.