Crazy For Quinoa

Our goal is to help you lose weight fast. What better way to do just that then share healthy recipes that are also delicious? Quinoa is often considered the super hero of super foods. It's a complete protein, heart-healthy, contains fiber, folate, antioxidants, anti-inflammatory phytonutrients, and it's low allergy risk making it a great choice for children/toddlers and the gluten intolerant.

What is quinoa?

Pronounced KEEN-wah, it first became popular around 3000 BC in South America. More recently it's been gaining lots of attention in the United States and Canada.

Where do you buy quinoa?

There's white, red, and tricolor. Thanks to quinoa's growing popularity, you can find it in bulk at your grocery store.

How do you store quinoa?

Reseal the original package or store in an airtight container (seal the bag with a twist tie). It will keep even longer if stored in the fridge.

How do you prepare quinoa for cooking?

Most people prefer to give it a good rinse in a fine-meshed strainer.

How do you cook quinoa?

In a saucepan, add 1 part quinoa to 2 parts liquid. (You can use broth to give it more flavor, but most of the time I just use water.) Bring to a boil, reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes until the liquid has absorbed. Done!

Here are 2 quinoa recipes that you will defiantly want to try.

Mexican Quinoa Salad

Ingredients

• 1 cup uncooked quinoa
• 1 1/2 cups black beans (or a 15 oz. can)
• 1 1/2 cups corn (I used frozen, thawed)
• 1 1/2 cups cherry tomatoes, quartered
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 5 green onions, diced
• 1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro (more to taste)

{For the dressing}

• 1/3 cup olive oil
• 1 tsp. cumin
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• Juice from 1 lime
• 1/4 tsp. salt

Directions

• Rinse and drain quinoa. Add to pot with 2 cups water and bring to a boil. Cover, reduce heat to low, and simmer for 20 minutes or until water has absorbed and quinoa is tender.
• In a small bowl, add all five dressing ingredients and whisk together to thoroughly combine.
• In a large bowl, add the cooked quinoa with all other salad ingredients.
• Pour dressing over the top and toss to combine.
• Can serve immediately or chill before serving.

Quinoa Pizza Bites

Makes 24 mini muffin bites

Ingredients

• 1 cup uncooked quinoa
• 2 eggs, beaten
• 1 cup onion, diced
• 1-2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, diced
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup fresh basil (or 1 Tbsp. dried)
• 1 tsp. dried oregano
• 1 tsp. dried parsley
• 1/2 tsp. salt
• Pizza sauce for dipping

Directions

• Rinse quinoa and place with 2 cups water in a covered pot. Bring to boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer for 20 minutes or until tender.
• Preheat oven to 350.
• Mix together the cooked quinoa with all ingredients (except pizza sauce) in a medium bowl.
• Distribute mixture into a lightly sprayed muffin tin, pressing down gently to compact.
• Bake for 15-20 minutes, then cool for 10 minutes before removing from pan.
• Serve warm with pizza sauce for dipping.

Let us know how you like it!

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