How to enjoy quinoa!

I have always found quinoa (pronounced keen-wah) a bit of a dull grain albeit a highly nutritious and healthy one. But, thanks to the Seasalt Cafe in Clovelly, (my favourite beach) in Sydney recently, I discovered black quinoa which is way more tasty and crunchy than its slightly slimy white cousin! Thank you for the recipe Chef.

Here's my easy, quick recipe for a delicious salad....but first why I call quinoa a super grain........

Ingredients for my current favourite salad: black quinoa, avo, red onion & goats cheese.

Black quinoa is the rarest of the quinoas and is a brilliant source of vegetable protein, so ideal for vegans and vegetarians.  It's grown high in the Andes and was known as the mother grain of the Incas.  It's very well tolerated by gluten intolerant folk and contains a 100% more protein and 900% more fibre than long grain white rice. It is rich in calcium, magnesium and iron and contains all the essential amino acids needed to make it a complete protein all on its own.  It's  also low in starch, which keeps blood sugar levels nice and even. And this version is delish!

I bought mine from Ocado, it's organic, fair trade & produced by Quinola who have it grown by small hold farmers near Lake Titicaca.  So an all round good grain with a good ethos behind it.

INGREDIENTS

80g of black quinoa per person (a cup should be plenty for 2)

1 red onion

I avocado

Grated goats cheese .....or if you're vegan cooked tofu pieces

Green salad leaves such as rocket

Basically, just add anything you fancy: olives, capers, grilled peppers, artichokes etc. 

HOW TO

You'll need nearly 3 times as much water as the quinoa, i.e. for 1 small mug of quinoa you'll need 2 1/2 to 3 cups of water.. Boil for 20 minutes.  Keep an eye on it, as it seems to suck in the water big time!

Meanwhile, finely chop the red onion, avocado and grate the goats cheese. You can substitute the cheese with tofu or put both in if you're extra hungry & not a vegan! 

Make a dressing of apple cider vinegar, olive oil, seasoning & a little mayonnaise (unless you're vegan).  Place the green salad on a plate, then add the quinoa salad, poor over the dressing and that's it, enjoy!

I think this one is going to be my favourite go to salad for the summer its so delicious, nutritious and easy to make.  I'm also going to try it with added cooked chicken or prawns, with olives, cooked peppers or any deli stuff hiding in the cupboard, great for unexpected guests.

Do let me know if you try this recipe or if you're already using black quinoa. As usual, I love hearing from you!

And I did hear from you.......lots of people really interested in trying this super grain and many who already love it.  But big thanks has to go to one of my Instagram followers, Maggie Alexander, who reminded me to always check your teeth after eating black quinoa!  I have been caught out going out the door with bits trapped in my teeth.  You have been warned!

black quinoa gets trapped in your teeth! always check after eating.

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See you soon, it's good to be back!