Quinoa . . . pronounced KEEN-wah

Have you tried it?  If not it is time . . . . quinoa is the BOMB and the hardest part for most people is how to actually say it.  And than what to do with it.

First let's just talk about the health benefits.  It is gluten free, contains almost twice the fiber as most other grains and it is a complete protein!!  It is high in iron, calcium and riboflavin (B2) and helps with your energy.  And it is so versatile it can be used instead of rice and be added to soups, casseroles, salads, etc.

I like to make a batch of quinoa at the start of the week and than I have it to make a quick quinoa salad or quinoa cakes and I even made Quinoa Pizza Bites this weekend and they were so yummy!!!

Below is my favorite quinoa salad which is great for lunch or add grilled chicken for an easy dinner.

Quinoa Salad
Ingredients

• 1 cup cooked quinoa
  
• 2 Tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil
  
• 2 Tbsp. fresh lemon juice
  
• Sea or Kosher salt (to taste; optional)
  
• 1 medium tomato, diced
  
• 1 medium cucumber, peeled, diced
• 4 Tbsp. finely chopped fresh parsley
  
• 2 Tbsp. finely chopped fresh mint leaves

Directions

Combine quinoa, oil, and lemon juice plus salt in a medium bowl and mix well.  Add tomato cucumber and toss gently to blend.  Gently fold in parsley and mint.  Cover and refrigerator for 2-3 hours before serving.

And I love quinoa cakes!!

Quinoa Cakes

Ingredients

• 1 cup cooked quinoa
• 1 egg
• 1/4 cup shredded cheese (use any cheese you like)
• any variety of diced vegetables (tomatoes, zucchini, spinach)
• 1/4 cup whole wheat or panko bread crumbs
• salt and pepper

Combine all ingredients and mix well. Spray pan with olive oil spray (Misto) or add a little olive oil to pan and heat.  Make 4 patties (The bread crumbs will help the patty retain it shape so add a little more if needed) and place in pan and cook at medium high heat.  Gently flip after 2-3 minutes or golden brown. 

Serve with salsa, hummus or my tzatzik.

 

And I have to share this one . . . Quinoa Pizza Bites!!  I made these Saturday night and Todd and I had them with a glass of wine.  I LOVED them!

Quinoa Pizza Bites

Ingredients:

• 1 cup cooked Quinoa
• 2 eggs
• 1 cup Mozzarella
• 1/2 tsp salt

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spray mini muffin tin with non-stick spray.  Combine all the ingredients and mix well.  Spoon mixture into mini muffin tins and bake in oven for 25-30 minutes.  Serve with sauce!