For those of you unfamiliar with quinoa, it's a seed and although it looks and cooks like a grain, it's actually a member of the same family as spinach, swiss chard, and beets! It has a higher protein count than other "grains." Quinoa is a good source of calcium, fiber, iron, magnesium and phosphorus. It's also gluten-free!
Important quinoa cooking information- before you cook with quinoa, make sure to rinse it thoroughly in a fine mesh strainer. This will remove any residual saponins (part of the natural seed coating that can cause a bitter taste). In my early quinoa days, I don't think I rinsed the seeds, and that might be part of the reason why I never really developed a love for quinoa.
I have yet to develop my own quinoa recipes, but here are 2 that are sure to win you over!
This salad is my new summer obsession!!!
It's light and refreshing. I used regular tomatoes instead of cherry since that's what I had in the house. Also, NEVER use pre crumbled Feta, or any cheese for that matter. It looses so much of it's flavor. It's not hard to buy a block of feta and chop it up yourself, and it will taste a million times better! A generous cup of this salad only has 145 calories!
These made for a very different breakfast! I will say that these were heavier than I expected them to be, but that isn't necessarily a bad thing. It means that one fills you up, no need to eat another! I served mine over baby spinach with a poached egg on top.
I also sprinkled parmesan cheese on top for a little salty flavor.
Each patty has 188 calories.
What are your favorite ways to enjoy quinoa?
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