5 Quinoa Recipes You'll Love

5 Quinoa Recipes You'll Love

The ancient grain is back in a big way, and with good reason. Gluten-free quinoa (pronounced "keen-wah") is quick and easy to cook and its nutritional value is unsurpassed. A rich source of protein, quinoa contains all the amino acids and has high amounts of calcium and iron, as well as fiber.

Read more about vegan sources of protein

Tired of eating it plain? You never have to again! Try one of these tasty quinoa meal ideas:

1. Sprinkle 1 cup of cooked quinoa over a green salad to add crunch, flavor, and some protein.

2. Substitute quinoa for rice as a side dish to any protein. If it suits the meal, top it with a tablespoon of hummus.

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3. Make a quinoa pilaf. Once the quinoa is cooked, add some diced vegetables (peppers, onions, tomatoes, olives, celery and garlic work well) and some black beans.

4. Have it for breakfast as a hot cereal. Over your bowl of cooked quinoa, add diced apples, sliced almonds and raisins and sprinkle with cinnamon, or some fresh berries drizzled with honey or maple syrup.

Read more about the health benefits of cinnamon

5. Quinoa patties! Mash together a cup of cooked quinoa with a cup of mashed sweet potatoes and ¼ cup of cranberries or goji berries. Heat some Ellyndale Organic extra virgin olive oil or Barlean's coconut oil in a frying pan. Form the quinoa-potato mash into 2 inch balls, flatten, and cook on both sides until golden brown.

[Editor's note: Living Now Foods has a variety organic quinoa blends – try black, red, or Tri-Color Quinoa for a new look for your favorite dishes.]

Image: Jennifer

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Lisa has been in her own practice for over 15 years and specializes in weight management. She teaches natural nutrition in both corporate and educational environments and is a shining example of someone who practices what she teaches. Lisa is a nutritionist and educator specializing in weight management. After losing weight several years ago through a more natural diet and by improving her digestion, she committed to sharing her new-found knowledge and returned to school to study nutrition. Over the past decade, her Nu-Vitality Weight Program has helped employees at numerous corporations lose thousands of pounds. In addition, Lisa regularly consults for groups and individuals with unique nutritional needs such as police officers and athletes. Lisa has been featured on the Discovery Channel, numerous radio programs and is a contributor to various publications. Additionally, she teaches nutrition at multiple post-secondary schools, has taught natural food cooking workshops, and authored two books.