Are you a quinoa-virgin? If so, you are in for a real treat.
You’ve probably heard the rumour that quinoa is the new rice. While this is true, it’s better than rice because it’s a complete protein and rice is not. In simple terms, it’s equal to eating a piece of chicken because it’s a complete source of amino acids which are the building blocks of every single cell in your body. Sufferers of anxiety and depression are more often then not deficient in these vital amino acids as they are the raw materials for neurotransmitters such as serotonin and dopamine. Vegetarians, vegans, gluten-free-bees, meat-eaters who’ve tried it, all love it. Now don’t feel silly if you haven’t tried it or made it yet because I’m going to give you the step-by-step in instructions on how to make it.
This is what it looks like dry, in the form you are going to buy it. When you go grocery shopping, pronounce it “keen-wah” okay? Not kin-noah. Otherwise store clerk will look at you funny. 🙂
Even if you’ve made quinoa a hundred times, stay right here because this recipe is smashingly delicious and easy. These are my ingredients: red onion, avocado, tomato, pea shots, fresh basil, lemon, olive oil. By the way, I had not grocery shopped in a few days and these were the slim pickings I had in my fridge after a run last night. I was in dire need of something nutrient-dense and tastebud-worthy. Quinoa goes with anything – so versatile, just like your fave pair of jeans!
Mmmmm, pea shots – little powerhouses of nutrition just bursting with minerals and enzymes, enzymes, enzymes! Enzymes = those little workers in your body involved in everything from digestion to your brain happy hormones. Did did you know that digestive problems are one of the top 3 reasons people visit their doctor. If you try eating more enzyme-rich food, you will find that your belly is much happier! I bought these pea shoots in Kensington Market a few days ago. They are from an Ontario farmer who I just met this morning at the Brickworks Farmer’s Market, how lovely is that? Check them out: http://www.kindorganics.ca/
This is one of my fave brands of EVOO (Extra-virgin olive oil). I love this monounsaturated fat because it’s soooo skin and hair loving (research proves it’s cancer preventative too). In fact, I’m such a fan I devoted an articles to the health benefits of olive oil for AOL and a recipe of course: http://www.thatsfit.ca/2010/06/03/health-benefits-of-olive-oil-and-greek-salad-recipe/
If you can make toast, boil water, cook rice, you can make quinoa. It’s the same ratio of ingredients as cooking rice, 1 part quinoa, 2 parts water. Combine the water and quinoa in a pot, bring to a boil, reduce to a simmer and cook, cook, cook! Only for 12 minutes…
See how easy that was? I used 1/2 cup of quinoa and 1 cup water. This is what the cooked quinoa looks like, see below? Slightly crunchy texture, a bit nutty, deeeelish…. and ready to be dressed up with the slim pickings in my fridge.
I prepped my veggies while the quinoa was cooking:
One quarter finely chopped small red onion
Half an avocado, cubed
Lots of fresh basil
Handful of pea shoots
Half a tomato, chopped
Squeeze of lemon, dollop of olive oil, generous black pepper and then garlic sea salt
TADA! Quinoa Smashingly Delicious.
ENJOY!
Not only am I a food-lover, but I’m also a Registered Nutritionist – that’s what I do for a living. I consult clients from all over the world (via phone, skype, email and in person) and offer a complimentary 15 minute appointment if you want to take your health to a whole new level. Everyone deserves to have joyous health!
19 thoughts on “How To Make Quinoa Smashingly Delicious: Step-By-Step”
No way I could ever be a quinoa virgin for long after reading this “how-to” post – love the information regarding the other ingredients as well! Thank you!
Amazing, my wifey and I made it last night. Thanks Joy!
Thanks Veggie Girl!
Thank you so much for the step by step instructions. Have been wanting to try quinoa, but not sure how to so it! Now I do!
Oh a quinoa-virgin! I can’t wait to hear how you like it Dorothy!
Thanks for the instructions. Do you rinse the quinoa before or after cooking?
Before, but there are some brands you don’t need to wash because this is done in the processing. Bob’s Red Mill is an example of this.
[…] One-Dish Dinner Quinoa […]
oh.. You looks just great!!! vety pretty!
thanks for blog info
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Wonderful! I had to make something quick and this was perfect! I did not have the sprouts but cut up pea pods instead. Thank you so much!
[…] get back to finishing this presentation and eating my quinoa with gluggs of olive oil. Here’s the recipe I made for dinner […]
That looks delicious. I’m going to pick up some quinoa tonight! 🙂
Are Quinoa flakes ok to use for breakfast as a hot cerial or is the seed as a whole better for me?
Whole quinoa seed is best.
[…] you want. Quinoa is one of my favourites. I used to eat it almost every day; sometimes twice a day! Read this link on how to make quinoa smashingly delicious from Joyous Health. You can have it for any meal of the day; it makes a delicious breakfast […]
Mmmmmm that was so gooood. Thanks for inspiring a great meal.
Thanks for this awesome recipe! I can’t wait to try it. I’ve been wanting to get my family off of white rice, and onto something healthier for ages. My husband hates brown rice, so I’m hoping he’ll enjoy quinoa:D Any idea how it tastes with curry?
[…] Are you a quinoa virgin? No problem! Step-by-step instructions right here: http://www.joyoushealth.ca/2010/06/13/how-to-make-quinoa-smashingly-delicious-step-by-step/ […]