Spiced Quinoa

"Quin-WHAT?"
Quinoa (pronounced keen-wah) is not a grain; it is actually a seed and related to the spinach family. When cooked, quinoa is light, fluffy, slightly crunchy and subtly flavored. It actually cooks and tastes like a grain, making it an excellent replacement for grains that are difficult to digest.

Some of the nutrients in quinoa include:

• Complete protein. Quinoa contains all 9 essential amino acids that are required by the body as building blocks for muscles.
  
• Magnesium helps relax your muscles and blood vessels and effects blood pressure. Quinoa contains high levels of this vital nutrient.
• Fiber. Quinoa is a wonderful way to ensure that you consume valuable fiber that eases elimination and tones your colon.
• Manganese and copper. Quinoa is a good source of these minerals that act as antioxidants in your body to get rid of dangerous cancer and disease-causing substances.

All information above is quoted directly from Body Ecology

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I know Quinoa is so healthy, but I have been struggling to find a really good Quinoa recipe.  And I finally found one!!  I found this recipe on www.allrecipes.com, and then adjusted it to fit our family.   I knew our kids don't necessarily care for a lot of spice, so I cut most of the spices in half, and it turned out so tasty. (Below is the low-spice adjusted recipe)

 Spiced Quinoa, with grilled Halibut and grilled zucchini... healthy and yummy : )

 

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1/2 small onion, chopped
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 3/4 cup quinoa
• 3/4 teaspoons curry powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon cumin
• 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1 1/2 cups chicken stock
• 1 (14 ounce) can garbanzo beans, drained and rinsed
• 1/2 cup toasted pine nuts
• 1/2 cup raisins, soaked in hot water and drained (optional) 
• Directions

1. Stir together the olive oil, onion, and garlic in a saucepan over medium heat until the onion has softened and turned translucent, about 5 minutes. Stir in the quinoa, curry powder, salt, pepper, cumin, cinnamon, and chicken stock. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer 20 minutes until the quinoa is tender.
2. Once the quinoa has finished cooking, stir in the drained garbanzo beans, toasted pine nuts, and raisins. Serve warm or cold.