Why You Should Choose Quinoa

By now, you have probably heard a lot about quinoa. I have long been a fan, and I love introducing this fabulous pseudo-grain to my clients, friends and family. It is super healthy, and is the best substitute for grains. It’s also a superfood – rich in protein, calcium, iron, fiber, potassium, B vitamins and Vitamin E.

Here is a little known fact about quinoa - although it often gets classified as a grain, like wheat or barley, it's actually in the goosefoot family, related to beets, spinach, and chard. There are several types of quinoa, including: White Quinoa, Red Quinoa, Black Quinoa, Tri-color Quinoa, Quinoa Flakes and Quinoa Powder. I most often use the white quinoa, but sometimes I use the red quinoa, as well as quinoa pasta.



If you are new to quinoa, I highly recommend the book, Quinoa Cuisine, which has everything you need to know about quinoa. This book explains all about what it is, how to use it, and has 150 recipes for nutritious dishes made with quinoa. Plus, they have kid-friendly recipes, so it is not all fancy dishes that only foodies would like. This is a book everyone can use and love!

Here are 2 fabulous recipes from the book. Try them today!

Wild Mushroom Quinoa Pilaf

Serves 4 to 6

30 Mins or Less, Gluten-Free, Good for Company, Healthy Choice, Vegetarian

⅔ cup white quinoa, rinsed

1⅓ cups water

1 tablespoon unsalted butter

1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil

1 large leek, finely sliced

2 medium cloves garlic, minced

2 cups chopped chanterelle mushrooms

1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves

1½ tablespoons chiffonade

fresh sage

¼ cup Amontillado sherry

¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese

1. In a small saucepan over high heat, bring the quinoa and water to a boil. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and cook until the water has been absorbed and the quinoa is tender, 10 to 12 minutes. Turn off the heat and let the quinoa sit for 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork and leave on the burner to keep warm.

2. Heat the butter and olive oil in a large nonstick sauté pan or skillet over medium-high heat. Add the leek and sauté, stirring occasionally, until translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the garlic and sauté, stirring constantly, for 30 seconds. Add the mushrooms and sauté until brown, 6 to 8 minutes. Stir in the thyme, sage, and sherry. Add the quinoa and Parmesan cheese, tossing to combine. Remove from the heat. Serve hot or warm.

Two-Bean Quinoa Chili

Serves 6

Freezes Well, Gluten-Free, Good for Company, Healthy Choice, Kid Friendly

½ cup black quinoa, rinsed

1 cup water

1 tablespoon canola oil

1 medium yellow onion, diced

1 medium clove garlic, minced

¾ pound ground turkey or chicken

1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes (preferably fire-roasted)

1 (15-ounce) can kidney beans, rinsed and drained

1 (15-ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained

1 tablespoon ground cumin

2 teaspoons chili powder, or to taste

1 teaspoon kosher salt

2 teaspoons dried Mexican oregano

Chili “fixings” as desired: shredded cheese, sliced green onions, chopped fresh cilantro, lime wedges, sliced black olives, sour cream

1. In a small saucepan over high heat, bring the quinoa and water to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and cook until the water has been absorbed and the quinoa is tender, 18 to 20 minutes. Turn off the heat and let the quinoa sit for 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork, cover, and leave on the burner to keep warm.

2. In a large heavy pot, such as a Dutch oven, heat the canola oil over medium heat. Add the onion and sauté, stirring occasionally, until translucent and beginning to brown, 7 to 9 minutes. Add the garlic and sauté, stirring constantly, for 30 seconds. Add the turkey or chicken and cook, stirring frequently and breaking up the meat into small chunks, until the meat is cooked through, about 5 minutes.

3. Add the tomatoes and their juices, kidney beans, black beans, cumin, chili powder, salt, and oregano. Bring to a simmer over high heat, then reduce heat to medium-low and simmer, uncovered, for about 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Stir in the cooked quinoa and simmer until the quinoa is heated through, about 5 minutes longer. Serve hot in bowls, letting  each person garnish their chili with the fixings of their choice.

You can find Quinoa Cuisine on Amazon and other retailers. Enjoy this great book and enjoy adding quinoa to your healthy diet!


*Cara was provided this book for review. No other compensation was given. All opinions expressed are 100% her own.*