Quinoa

Why had I not heard of this super food until recently? Commonly grown in South America, the use of quinoa (pronounced keen-wah) dates back to the Incas. Packed into this little seed is an exceptional amount of nutrients. With the benefits of protein, good fats, fiber, folate and magnesium, just to name a few, what's not to like? Vegetarians can use it as a meat substitute in order to intake necessary protein without having to combine several foods because it includes all 8 essential amino acids, the building blocks of protein. It also contains no wheat, so those with wheat allergies or gluten sensitivities can dig in and enjoy. Quinoa is cooked just like rice. Place it in a pot over the stove with 1 part quinoa, 2 parts water bringing it first to a boil and then allowing it to simmer with a top on for about 15 minutes. When you see that the ring shaped coils pop out, it is almost ready. Once the water is absorbed, stir and let it sit for several minutes. Quinoa is fairly bland alone so add spices, nuts, spinach or beans to boost the flavor. I found a tasty recipe and added it below, eat up!

Three Bean Salad with Quinoa Recipe