Quinoa (pronounced keen-wa) is a miraculous food item. It is a great substitute for rice, oatmeal and most flours in baked goods. Being able to replace it for grains in dishes is a great thing especially knowing that it fits into the same group as beets, chard and spinach.
Not only does quinoa have twice the amount of protein than rice it is also a complete protein, great for non-meat eaters.
Check out some of my favorite recipes using quinoa!
Breakfast Pancakes (as seen on MarthaStewart.com)
Ingredients
* 1 cup cooked quinoa
* 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
* 2 teaspoons baking powder
* 1/2 teaspoon coarse salt
* 1 large egg, plus 1 large egg white
* 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, melted, plus more for skillet
* 1/4 cup low-fat milk
* 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup, plus more for serving
* Fresh fruit or fruit preserves (optional) for serving
Directions
*In a medium bowl, whisk together quinoa, flour, baking powder, and salt. In another medium bowl, whisk together egg, egg white, butter, milk, and syrup until smooth. Add egg mixture to flour mixture and whisk to combine.
* Lightly coat a large nonstick skillet or griddle with butter and heat over medium-high. Drop batter by heaping tablespoonful’s into skillet. Cook until bubbles appear on top, 2 minutes.
* Flip cakes and cook until golden brown on underside, 2 minutes. Wipe skillet clean and repeat with more melted butter and remaining batter (reduce heat to medium if overbrowning). Serve with maple syrup and fresh fruit or preserves if desired.
Sun Dried Tomato and Mozzarella Quinoa burgers (as seen on Jessicainthekitchen.com)
Ingredients
* 1 cup cooked quinoa
* ¾ cup low part skim mozzarella shredded cheese
* 2 sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
* 1 1/2 eggs (I usually beat a whole egg, then half it)
* 3 tablespoons flour (you can use coconut flour for GF)
* 1 tablespoon chopped scallion/green onions
* 1/2 teaspoon salt
* 1/2 teaspoon pepper
* 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
* 2 tablespoons oil
To cook quinoa (makes 3 cups)
* 1 cup uncooked quinoa
* 2 cups vegetable broth
* 1/2 teaspoon salt
* 1 teaspoon sriracha (optional)
Instructions
Cooking Quinoa
*Wash the quinoa in a mesh strainer rigorously with water.
*In a pan over medium high heat, add 2 teaspoons olive oil. Dry the quinoa by adding it to the pan and letting it heat up for about 2 minutes.
* Add the broth to the pan and the salt. Stir, and bring to a boil.
*Lower to medium-low heat and cover, cooking for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
* When all of the water has been absorbed, the quinoa is finishing cooking.
* Use your fork to fluff the quinoa a bit.
Quinoa Burgers
*Add all of the ingredients together to the burgers.
* Divide into 4 burgers on a parchment paper (or just a place).
* Heat the oil in a large pan over medium-high heat.
* Test to ensure the oil is hot enough (but not burned) by breaking off a piece of one of the burgers. If it sizzles, it is hot enough.
* Add the burgers into the pan. Allow to cook for 2-3 minutes on one side, then flip.
* Cook for 2-3 minutes on this side. It should be golden brown. If not, cook for one minute extra on each side.
* Place on a paper towel to cool and remove excess oil.
Have you used this powerful food? Comment below!
Charlotte
Team Make It Fun NYC