Personal Chef Blog

What is Quinoa?

Quinoa has gained popularity as a health food in the US and other western countries, but it has been cultivted for centuries in South America for since ancient times. The Inca considered this seed to be a sacred food. With the demand for more gluten free grain alternatives that pack a healthy punch, the rise of quinoa as a food staple should not come as a surprise. This ancient grain is very nutrient dense and comes packed with many different health benefits. 

• Fiber: Quinoa is higher in fiber than many grains that are more commonly eaten. One cupe of cooked quinoa comes with 5.18 g of fiber, which is more than the more common brown rice. 
• Protein: Quinoa also provides a good source of plant based protein. Once cup of cooked quinoa comes with 8 grams of protein, which is more than many other grains. It is also a source of complete protein, meaning it offers all 9 of the essential amino acids that our bodies need. 
• Gluten Free: Quinoa is naturally gluten free, and unlike other gluten free options, aslo comes packed with nutrients that are commonly missing like folate, magnesium and zinc

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Southwest Qunioa Salad

Ingredients

• 1 cup quinoa, raw
• 2 cups water or chicken stock
• 1 carrot, shredded
• 1 red onion, diced 
• 1 mango, diced 
• 1 cup corn niblets, charred
• 1/4 cup of pickled jalepeno
• 3 tbsp cilantro, chopped
• 1 15.5 ounce can of black beans, drained and washed

For Dressing

• 3 tbsp lime juice, fresh squeezed
• 2 tsp salt
• 1 tbsp of pickle jalepeno liquid
• 2 tbsp agave syrup
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup olive oil

Method

1. Rinse quinoa  under water to wash.
2. Add quinoa to broth or water and bring to a simmer, covered.
3. When about 10% of the liquid is left, turn of flame and keep covered for about 10 minutes. 
4. While the quinoa is cooking, chop up the rest of the ingredients and combine in a bowl. 
5. Mix together the lime juice, salt, pickling liquid, agave syrup and garlic
6. Drizzle in olive oil while whisking until a nice emulsion is formed. 
7. Combine the quinoa, the veggies, and the dressing and mix well
8. Enjoy!