| Quinoa is a grain with a long history. It is now | | | | you for your day. |
| growing in popularity, but since many people are | | | | Store your uncooked quinoa in an airtight |
| not very familiar with it, there tends to be | | | | container in a dark, cool spot in your cupboard or |
| confusion about how to use it. Cooking quinoa is | | | | refrigerator. It can remain fresh for up to a year. |
| not much different from cooking rice. Quinoa | | | | You can find quinoa in health food stores, |
| absorbs the liquid just like rice and expands. One | | | | specialty markets and some stores are beginning |
| cup of quinoa will expand to three cups of cooked | | | | to carry it in their bulk food section. |
| food. | | | | Recipe for Red Pepper and Onion Quinoa |
| To get the best out of your quinoa recipes, soak | | | | This simple vegetarian dish can be served on its |
| it for at least five minutes before you cook it. | | | | own or as a side dish. |
| Drain it using a fine sieve or a cheesecloth lined | | | | What You Need |
| colander. Rinse with warm water for a few | | | | - 2 Tablespoons olive oil |
| minutes. Do not skimp here-unless you can rinse | | | | - 4 onions, finely chopped |
| off the saponins on the surface of the seed, your | | | | - 3/4 teaspoon sea salt |
| dish will turn out bitter. You can buy pre-rinsed | | | | - 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper |
| quinoa if you prefer. | | | | - 1 red bell pepper, chopped |
| Add one part quinoa to two parts liquid in your | | | | - 1 yellow bell pepper, chopped |
| pot. You can use water, broth, juice, or even milk | | | | - 6 cloves garlic |
| if you wish. All will give different qualities to your | | | | - 2 cups quinoa |
| finished quinoa. Once the liquid boils, reduce the | | | | - 4 cups water |
| heat and let it simmer for about 15 minutes. As | | | | - 2 cups vegetable stock |
| soon as the liquid is absorbed, your quinoa is | | | | How to Make It |
| ready. Let it rest for five minutes before serving. | | | | Brown your onions in a skillet with salt and |
| Fluff with a fork. | | | | cayenne pepper. Add the bell peppers and cook |
| Use quinoa as a breakfast cereal, mix it with | | | | over a low heat until onions are caramelized; |
| tomatoes and sausage, or use it instead of | | | | about half an hour. When the onions have reached |
| macaroni when you make mac and cheese. This | | | | soft, golden stage, add the garlic, and let cook a |
| grain is very versatile and is full of nutrition. | | | | couple of minutes. |
| Substitute it for rice, pasta, oats, or couscous. It | | | | Add your water, rinsed quinoa, and vegetable |
| provides all eight essential amino acids in your diet | | | | stock. Bring the liquid to a simmer, then lower the |
| and is filling, so you eat less. Take some time and | | | | heat and let it cook, covered, for about 40 |
| experiment with this incredible grain. It is full of | | | | minutes. Remove the pan from the heat and let it |
| protein and digests slowly, so it really energizes | | | | sit with the lid on for 5 minutes before serving. |