Can You Say Keen-Wah (quinoa)?

By on February 26, 2010

riceHere a grain, there a grain, everywhere a grain grain! Actually, this high-protein grain is a seed. Whatever category it falls under, it packs a mighty nutritional punch! Legend has it that Incan armies used quinoa mixed with fat to make what they called “war balls.” I for one happen to love it for its protein content and taste. It’s higher in magnesium, calcium, potassium, copper, manganese, phosphorous and zinc than barley, corn and wheat. A great alternative to rice!

Note** this year I have decided to fast one day a week. This past week, towards the evening of my fast I found myself getting extremely tired! I decided to mix 1/2 cup quinoa with 5 cups water and simmer for 20 minutes. I blended and drank some. Within a half hours time I felt so great I decided to run 3 miles.

Other ways I love to prepare quinoa include: cooking it with garlic and onions and enough water to leave juice. I season lightly with kosher salt, Himalayan salt, or liquid aminos… then melt in some REAL butter when done. I also like to add pieces of kale last minute and top with seaweed. Hot quinoa makes a great salad topper and is quite excellent scrambled with eggs and topped with cheese (or nutritional yeast). I’ve also cooked it in chicken broth alone or baked it inside squash – SIMPLY DIVINE!!! My 6 year old godchild loves it so much, one of her nicknames is Queen-wah. Her monthly visits with me never go without quinoa. She’s even learned to cook it.

Forget the processed “protein” bars – try quinoa instead!

About Carmen

Author, Coach, and Herbalsita POWERED BY: Real Food and barefoot walking/running. Connect with Carmen on Google+

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