What is Quinoa?

Have you been invited to cookouts this summer with no idea what to bring?  You want to bring something filling and healthy but also something people will eat and enjoy.

Quinoa (pronounced Keen-Wah) is a whole grain food - it is actually a seed, not a grain and the plant is a member of the grass family.  It grows at high evelvation in the Andean region of Ecuador, Bolivia, Columbia and Peru.

Quinoa is a very versatile food for a side dish, component of a main entree or even for breakfast.

Quinoa is one of my favorite whole grains (seeds).  It is packed with nutrients such as phosphorus, calcium, magnesium and iron.  It is an excellent source of protein.  I have make a version of this quinoa bean salad many times and it is always a hit for potlucks and cookouts. 

Quinoa bean salad

1 1/2 cups of cooked quinoa
1 can black beans, drained and rinsed (you can substitute other beans like pinto or kidney)
1 cup frozen corn - cook and cool prior to adding (if you have fresh corn on the cob - that would be fantastic here too)
1 red bell pepper, diced
1/2 large or one small red onion, diced
Juice of one lemon
1/3 cup Olive Oil
3 garlic cloves, minced
Fresh ground Black Pepper
Sea Salt

Before cooking your quinoa, make sure to rinse it well.  Quinoa has a natural coating of saponins which keep the plant safe from birds but can impart a bitter taste if not rinsed prior to cooking. 

Combine the first 5 ingredients in a large bowl.  Whisk together the remaining ingredients and combine all together.

This can be served cold or warmed up.

Enjoy!!

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I am a Certified Holistic Health Coach, if you would like to know more about my approach to health coaching, please visit my website www.mariabmayer.com.  You can also call or e-mail me to set up a free consultation.  HealthCoach@mariabmayer.com 860-995-7773.