Quinoa & Greens

Have you tried quinoa? If not, you should try it immediately!!  Not only is it delicious but it has a boatload of health benefits!

“Prized as a sacred seed in the ancient Inca civilization, quinoa is still a nutritional treasure. This protein-packed food, with its nutty taste and chewy texture, is flavorful as well as filling. The benefits of quinoa are as plentiful as its culinary uses. Here are a few of the roles quinoa can play in a healthy diet:

1. Protein Powerhouse

Proteins are essential to the building and repair of the body’s tissues and to basic functions like growth, digestion and excretion. Quinoa has a higher protein content than wheat, barley or other major grains. One cup of quinoa has 9 grams, which trumps the protein-rich egg (6 grams). Quinoa, which contains all 8 of the essential amino acids, is a complete protein. It has become a favorite dish among vegans and vegetarians, but the pleasures and benefits of it are available to anyone seeking an alternative to meat, eggs and dairy products as a protein source.

2. Dieter’s Dream

Quinoa is a satisfying, low-cholesterol source of complex carbohydrates. Rich in fiber, it’s digested slowly and has a low glycemic index, helping you steer clear of the blood-sugar roller coaster. With its chewy texture, quinoa can be eaten at a leisurely pace. Its heart-healthy polyunsaturated fats will leave you feeling full while providing more nutritional content than breads or cereals made of refined grains. Quinoa can be eaten as a breakfast food to provide long-lasting energy and help you breeze through your morning workout. A meal of vegetables and quinoa, is a dieter’s dream: high in vitamins, minerals and protein, while low in fat and calories.

3. Internal Cleanser/Detoxifier

As a complex carbohydrate, quinoa acts an internal cleanser, easing the progress of food through the digestive tract. Used regularly in your diet, quinoa can help keep you free of constipation and bloating. Unlike more common grains such as wheat, quinoa is gluten-free and can be enjoyed by people with digestive disorders, like celiac disease. This versatile seed can be used in breads, soups or other foods where grains are a primary ingredient, offering a steady source of colon-cleansing fiber. The vitamin B and folate in quinoa also help the liver in its role of eliminating wastes from the body, adding to quinoa’s detoxifying properties.

4. Bone Builder

For vegans, people with lactose intolerance or those who are simply looking for non-dairy sources of this vital mineral, quinoa is a flavorful source of plant-derived calcium. Calcium builds and maintains bones and teeth, helps regulate the contraction of the heart, and facilitates nerve and muscle function. One cup of cooked quinoa contains 30 milligrams of calcium. Quinoa also contains impressive quantities of potassium, magnesium and zinc, minerals that are crucial for heart, nerve and muscle function.

5. Brain Food

A cup of cooked quinoa offers 15 percent of the U.S. Recommended Daily Allowance of iron, which helps to deliver oxygen to the blood, boosting energy and brain power. Quinoa’s vitamin B content can help keep the mind sharp, maintain brain volume and stabilize mood.”  (Source)

With a healthy nutritional profile like that, who wouldn’t want to get their hands on some quinoa?!

Yesterday I was craving something starchy and filling and quinoa sounded like the perfect fit to satisfy my craving.  I spruced it up by adding some green veggies and spices to make a well rounded, healthy and satisfying meal.

Quinoa & Greens

You’ll need:

• 1 cup quinoa
• 2 cups water
• 1 leek, sliced thinly
• 1-2 broccoli florets, roughly chopped
• 1 zucchini, sliced into disks and then halved
• 1 cup frozen peas
• 2 green onions, thinly sliced
• 2 cloves garlic
• 4 stalks of kale, chopped into small strips
• 1 handful baby spinach
• 1Tbs organic butter or ghee
• sea salt to taste
• spices of choice (I used Frontier brand Adobo seasoning, and red pepper flakes) to taste

To Make the Quinoa: In a pot or large saucepan bring 2 cups of salted water to a boil. Add 1 cup quinoa turn the heat down to simmer and cover with a lid. Cook for 15 minutes. Remove quinoa from heat and allow to sit five minutes with the lid on.  Fluff quinoa gently with a fork.

To Make the Vegetables: In a skillet, first melt a pat of butter and saute garlic and green onions. Next add the sliced leeks, a few dashes of sea salt, and cook until leeks are soft.  Then add sliced zucchini, broccoli, kale and a little water if needed. Cover and cook until veggies are slightly soft. You may also add more salt at this time if needed. Lastly, add the spinach and frozen peas. Toss with the cooked vegetables for about 30 seconds then add all of the vegetables to the quinoa and season to taste.

There you have it, a healthy, hearty vegetarian meal that’s packed with greens and protein. Great as a side dish or on it’s own. Enjoy!

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