Wednesday, April 10, 2013

The Quintessential Quirky Quinoa


*I Cook Barefooted!*




The Quinoa Alphabet

Antiseptic: 
The saponins in quinoa are used as an antiseptic in South America.

 Benefits:  
Quinoa is an ancient grain-like seed with many health benefits, 
making it a "superfood".

Carbs
Quinoa is a complex carbohydrate with a low glycemic index, 
so it won't spike your blood sugar. 
    
 Delicious:
Quinoa is a delicious whole grain alternative! Try it... You'll love it!

Edible:
Quinoa leaves are edible, tasting something like Chard.

Funny:
Quinoa has a funny pronunciation: 'keen-wah'. 
Go ahead... Impress and annoy your friends!

Gluten:
Quinoa is gluten-free!

Healthfood:
Today quinoa can be found both IN and OUT of the healthfood aisle!

the letter I:
Quinoa is Intriguing, Inspiring, and Idyllic.

Jars:
Quinoa looks pretty on your counter top in a glass jar.

the letter K:
The 'Q' sounds like a 'K'... kay?

Lower:   
Quinoa is the whitest and the sweetest tasting when grown above 12,500 feet.  
Grown at lower elevations, it is more bittersweet in taste.

Mountainous:
More than 200,000 pounds are grown each year in the Rocky Mountains.

Nutritious:
Quionoa is HIGHLY nutritious,
and has more protein than rice, millet or wheat!

Only 172 calories:
  ...per 1/4 cup dry  quinoa!
That's 24 calories from protein 
only 12 from sugars, 
and the rest are complex carbohydrates, fiber and healthy fats.

Powerfood:
Quinoa is a real powerfood!

Quinoa:
...of course!

Riboflavin:
Riboflavin has been shown to help reduce the frequency of migraines,
and is critical to the breakdown of carbs, fats and proteins into energy.

Saponin:
Quinoa, though highly nutritious, is coated with saponin, which is toxic when injested.
Bob's (Organic) Red Mill Quinoa is the brand I trust.
Their product has been 
"thoroughly rinsed and air dried to remove the naturally occurring bitter saponins".

Tasty:
What are you waiting for?
Trust me... it's good.

Ubiquitous:
Good news travels fast!  What's a few centuries?
The Incans knew to eat the quinoa seeds for more stamina and a quicker recovery time.
Today, quinoa is sold in most grocery stores.

Variety:
Quinoa comes in light yellow, red or black variety.
The taste is said to be a subtle difference between them.
The darker the seed, the earthier the taste.

Wonderful:
What else can I say?

Xanadu:
Oh yes! 
I said, Xanadu.

Years:
...5,000 to be exact. 
That's how many years those Incans in South America
grew quinoa up in the high altitude of the Andes.

Zombie:
I don't know...
Don't be the walking dead.
Eat Quinoa!


Scarlett's 'Keen-wah' Delish

3 uncooked chicken breasts, cut into small strips
3 cups of mixed vegetables (I used Birdseye Normandy Blend)
1 Tbsp. Olive Oil
2Tbsp. Coconut Oil
2 tsp. Garlic Salt
2 tsp. Table Salt
1 cup of uncooked Quinoa
2 oz. Grated Parmesan Cheese
2 tsp. Mrs. Dash Original Seasoning Blend

Stir-fry your veggies in the coconut oil, 1 tsp. table salt
 and the Mrs. Dash to desired tenderness.
Cut thawed chicken into small strips and stir-fry in the olive oil and garlic salt till no longer pink.
Prepare the Quinoa according to package directions.
(I use Bob's Red Mill Organic Quinoa... pre-rinsed.)
After it's cooked, add parmesan and 1 tsp. table salt to the quinoa.
 Combine veggies, chicken, and quinoa.
Enjoy!

***  
 
   

You want reviews?
    How 'bout, 
  "Keen-wah, Baby!






 How 'bout You?
Have a recipe you want to share on 
*I Cook Barefooted!*?
Show some Barefoot Love and...

Send it here:  scarlettcolleen@yahoo.com 
Want to include a photo? Fun!

What's on your table?




“Do not be too timid and squeamish about your actions.
All life is an experiment.”
~ Ralph Waldo Emerson

 *Barefoot Love*Airbrush By, Colleen 
2012
       

4 comments:

  1. I love quinoa, but my family doesn't. Maybe I just need to find the right recipe. I'll have to give yours a try. Thanks.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Oh boy! What's not to love?! It's just so perfect.

    I have another recipe I haven't posted yet. Quinoa and Kale Patties. They are delicious! Especially lightly dipped in Caesar dressing!

    ReplyDelete
  3. OH PLEASE! post the quinoa and kale patty recipe!!!

    It's so funny, I had just had tomato, basil and quinoa soup when you posted this!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. That sounds yummo! Quinoa and Kale recipe coming Wednesday! Stay tuned...

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