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You Can Eat Quinoa Any Way You Like

Owner
Alexandra
One of the world's true 'super foods', quinoa is an excitingly nutty and grainy crop that is rich with proteins and contains all the nine essential amino acids. This storehouse of nutrition is also a great source of fiber, iron and magnesium. Quinoa has been treasured for it's nutritional values for ages. The Incas held the crop to be sacred and held it in high esteem by calling it "chisaya mama" or "mother of all grains". Quinoa was of great nutritional importance in pre-Columbian Andean civilizations, being secondary only to potato.  Quinoa constitutes a healthy choice for vegetarians and vegans. The crop has a light, fluffy texture when cooked and its mild, slightly nutty flavor makes it an alternative to white rice or couscous. Quinoa, in recent times has become the fit person's favorite food item. Those who are in a pursuit to minimize those deadly carbs in their diet and want to lead fit and healthy lives also extensively use it.

There are several interesting ways in which this wonderful crop can be cooked and eaten. Vegetables and seasoning can be added to make a wide range of dishes with Quinoa as the main ingredient. Chicken or vegetable stock can be substituted for water during cooking Quinoa to add flavor to the dish. It is also a great accompaniment to vegetable pilafs, complementing bitter greens like kale. Quinoa can serve as a high-protein and absolutely delicious breakfast food when mixed with honey, almonds, or berries. We all get bored with good old corn flakes at times. You can be creative with the kick-starting meal of the day by substituting corn flakes with dry Quinoa. Quinoa flour can be used in wheat-based and gluten-free baking. For the latter, it can be combined with sorghum flour, tapioca and potato starch to create a nutritious gluten-free baking mix. Quinoa flour can also be used as a filling for chocolate. Quinoa does not take much time to get cooked and the cooking process is quite simple too. You have to spare only about 10 – 15 minutes to prepare Quinoa. All you have to do is simmer one part of Quinoa and two parts of rice in water and bring it to boil. Cook the Quinoa for not more than 10 minutes if you want it to crunch inside your mouth. However, if you want your Quinoa to be softer, then simmer it in boiling water for longer (but not more than 20 minutes), until the crop absorbs all the water and it softens up. Another way of softening the quinoa would be by adding melted cheese to it. Those who wish to add the softness, but keep the calories in check can opt for soy cheese. If you like a bit of color to be added in your meal, opt for the red quinoa, which is different from the regular quinoa only in terms of color. Some might find the flavor to be a bit stronger and the texture a little harder, but the difference is hardly notable.

Different people, countries and regions around the world have made their take on cooking quinoa in their own style, adding unique forms and flavors to this nutritional powerhouse. You can take your pick of how you would like to eat your quinoa and lend your culinary skills to make a masterpiece of a simple crop.    

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