Quin-WHAT?

Quinoa (pronounced KEEN-whaa).  That’s it.  I LOVE it!

uncooked quinoa

The Q+DD on Quinoa: Quinoa is a grain-like crop grown primarily for its edible seeds.  It is a pseudocereal rather than a true cereal, or grain, as it is not a grass.  As a chenopod, quinoa is closely related to species such as beets, spinach, and tumbleweeds.  Quinoa has a light, fluffy texture when cooked, and its mild, slightly nutty flavor makes it an alternative to white rice or couscous.

Quinoa was of great nutritional importance in pre-Columbian Andean civilizations, secondary only to the potato, and was followed in importance by maize.  In contemporary times, this crop has become highly appreciated for its nutritional value, as its protein content is very high (12%–18%), making it a healthy choice for vegetarians and vegans.  Unlike wheat or rice (which are low in lysine), quinoa contains a balanced set of essential amino acids for humans, making it an unusually complete protein source.  It is a good source of dietary fiber and phosphorus and is high in magnesium and iron.  Quinoa is gluten-free and considered easy to digest. (www.wikipedia.com)

cooked quinoa

I tried quinoa for the first time at Beleza Lounge* in Midtown when I went with Anj and Christine maybe a year ago to grab tapas. 

I enjoyed the texture and consistency, and ever since then I’ve been regularly cooking with it at home.  Quinoa takes seasoning very well and is a delicious + hearty compliment to a fish or chicken dish.  Since it’s grown in popularity over the past few years, I’ve spotted it in a number of grocery stores.  However, the quinoa that I like best is multicolored and found at Trader Joes.

Here are a Few Quinoa Recipes: http://www.quinoa.net/181.html
http://allrecipes.com/Search/Recipes.aspx?WithTerm=Quinoa
http://healthycooking.suite101.com/article.cfm/quinoa_recipes

*Note: Beleza is a totally underrated restaurant + lounge.  I’ve been there three times and loved the tapas I’ve ordered each time.  Check it out if you are in Midtown and in the mood for small plates, fun drinks + good music.  Just saying…

Happy + healthy eating!!

xx, L

Beleza Lounge
905 Juniper St. NE
Atlanta, GA  30309
678.904.4582
http://www.urestaurants.net/