Pronounced (Keen-wah). Offers a nearly perfect balance of essential amino acids-quick cooking grain-one of the recently discovered ancient grains. Higher protein content than wheat.
To cook quinoa:
2 cups quinoa
4 cups water
1 tsp salt
Must be rinsed before cooking. To rinse, run warm water into a pot so the grain is agitated but doesn't overflow. Rinse for at least three minutes, then drain well in a fine strainer. Place quinoa, seasoning and water in a sauce pan and bring to a boil, stirring occasionally. Cover and simmer until all the water is absorbed-about 15 minutes or so. It is cooked when the little white spirals are visible and the water is gone. It can be substituted in any grain or rice recipe.
Carrot, pineapple, and quinoa salad
2 1/2 cups shredded carrots
1 8 oz. can crushed pineapple, drained
2 cups cooked quinoa
1/2 cup salad dressing (oil and vinegar)
Combine all ingredients and chill. Options: add chopped nuts, bananas, apples, or raisins.
