The name may sound totally alien, but quinoa has been around for centuries. You've probably heard of it before or seen it in health food stores, but didn't know how to pronounce it. Quinoa (keen-wah) is a grain, more technically a pseudo-cereal, that has a balanced set of amino acids, making it the most complete form of vegetarian protein. It's also a good source of fiber and minerals. It's a seed that grows on a leafy plant that resembles spinach. The leaves are also edible, but the seeds are considered the most important part of the plant. Peru and Bolivia are the leading producers of quinoa. The grain comes in yellow (most common), red, and black (least common) varieties.
Quinoa originates from South America and was very important to pre-Columbian civilizations. Spanish colonialists didn't allow the cultivation of quinoa because the grain, designated sacred and called "mother of all grains" by the Incas, was used in their religious ceremonies. In recent years quinoa has become very popular in the States, and has emerged from just a health food item to almost a mainstream food. Vegans, vegetarians, and those who suffer from celiac disease and follow a gluten-free diet, all utilize quinoa in their diets.
Quinoa has a slightly nutty taste when cooked. It can be used in many versatile ways: boiled and eaten like rice, eaten as porridge, or baked into breads. Quinoa flakes can be cooked just like oatmeal and eaten for breakfast. Cooked quinoa can be baked into quick breads and muffins, but quinoa flour can be used just like regular flour in all types of baked goods.
To prepare quinoa, wash it in many changes of water to get rid of a naturally occurring coating, which tastes bitter. Modern processing does remove much of the coating, but it's always a good idea to wash whole grains. To cook quinoa, simply combine it with double the amount of water, cover and boil until tender, about 15 minutes. Quinoa is done when curlicues emerge from the seeds.
Adding quinoa to your diet is not only nutritious, it's also fun. Soon you'll find yourself cooking quinoa for your family in many new and unique ways.
Watch the video to learn more about quinoa from Gail Simmons.