Cooking with Quinoa

I was introduced to quinoa by a friend of mine about a year ago and I love it!  Since then I have learned more about this super grain and try to incorporate it into my diet as much as I can. 

Fun Facts about Quinoa:

• Of all the whole grains, quinoa is the most nutritious and is called a "super grain" because its nutritional profile may make it a human survival food.  
• Dr. Duane Johnson, the New Crops Agronomist at CSU has been widely quoted, "If I had to choose one food to survive on, quinoa would be the best." 
• It has a high level of lysine, an amino acid deficient in other grains.  
• It is at least equal to milk in protein quality. 
• Most people who are allergic to other grains are not allergic quinoa because it is a relative to spinach, beets, and chard
• It can help in protecting us from our very radioactive environment
• It was medicinal in the Andes because of it's healing properties and is still staple food in South America

 Here are a few tips to help you to incorporate this super grain into you diet:

• use it in place of rice- in stir fry and in mexican recipes
• use for breakfast, served with fruit or syrup
• use in a pilaf with sauteed onions and peppers
• use in lettuce salads
• use in stuffed peppers, squash, or potatoes

You can find quinoa at the grocery store near the rice and beans.  Here's what to look for:

And finally here is a Coder favorite recipe using quinoa:

Chicken and Quinoa Enchiladas
2 chicken breasts cooked and diced
1 cup of quinoa uncooked
1/2 onion- chopped
1 green chile pepper- chopped
shredded cheddar cheese
green chile enchilada sauce
8 tortillas

Prepare quinoa
In a skillet, combine chicken, onion, and pepper with a little bit of water. 
Add your favorite Mexican seasoning- (I use taco seasoning) and simmer
Add cooked quinoa and stir to combine
Add mixture evenly to 8 tortillas, sprinkle with cheese, roll and place seam down into greased pan

Pour green chile enchilada sauce on top- top with cheddar cheese
Cover with foil and bake at 375 for 45 minutes or until hot and bubbly
Serve with tortilla chips and sour cream (of course) : )

Enjoy this Delish Dish