Lets Talk Quinoa

I have a new fondness for Quinoa (pronounced "KEEN-wah") and have been experimenting with different recipes. One thing I have learned is, it is very important to toast and rinse this fun little grain. First of all toasting the grain enhances the flavor and then rinsing removes any residue of saponin, quinoa's natural, bitter protective coating which acts as a natural insect repellent. Cool huh?  Cooking Quinoa in chicken broth always enhances flavor and you can even serve as a breakfast dish by cooking in Apple or Orange juice in place of the water or broth. Rinse, toast, add juice and simmer for about 15 mins. Interesting....

Latin Quinoa

• 1 cup quinoa
• 2 teaspoon canola oil
• 1  medium onion, chopped
• 1 can (4 ounce) chopped green chiles
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (14 ounce) reduced-sodium chicken broth, or vegetable broth
• 1/4 cup hulled pumpkin seeds, toasted 
• 3/4 cup coarsely chopped fresh cilantro
• 1/2 cup chopped scallions
• 2 tablespoons lime juice
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

Directions

1. Toast quinoa in a large dry skillet over medium heat, stirring often, until it crackles and becomes aromatic, 3 to 5 minutes. Transfer to a fine sieve and rinse thoroughly.
2. Heat oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add onion and cook, stirring often, until softened, 2 to 3 minutes. Add chiles and garlic; cook, stirring, for 30 seconds. Add the quinoa and broth; bring to a simmer. Reduce heat to maintain a gentle simmer, cover and cook until the quinoa is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed, 20 to 25 minutes.
3. Add toasted pumpkin seeds, cilantro, scallions, lime juice and salt to the quinoa; mix gently and fluff with a fork. 

I think this would be great served with Baked Tilapia! Serves 6 and it only took about 30 mins to cook.

 3g of Fiber and 7g of Protein & only 181 Calories

Check out this web site for some exciting Quinoa recipes

http://www.dlife.com/diabetes/diabetic-recipes/recipeResults.html?keyword=quinoa&go.x=0&go.y=0

Lets Talk Quinoa