Quinoa
About the ingredient quinoa. Including 111 recipes with quinoa, nutrition data, photos, and where to find it.
Contents
What is quinoa?
Quinoa originated in the Andean region of South America, where it has been an important food for 6,000 years. Its name is the Spanishspelling of the Quechua name. Quinoa is generally undemanding and altitude-hardy, so it can be easily cultivated in the Andes up to about 4,000 meters. Even so, it grows best in well-drained soils and requires a relatively long growing season.
Nutrition
Quinoa was of great nutritional importance in pre-Columbian Andean civilizations, being secondary only to the potato, and was followed in importance by maize. In contemporary times, this crop has become highly appreciated for its nutritional value, as its protein content is very high (12%–18%). Unlike wheat or rice (which are low in lysine), and like oats, quinoa contains a balanced set of essential amino acids for humans, making it an unusually complete protein source among plant foods. It is a good source of dietary fiber and phosphorus and is high in magnesium and iron. Quinoa is gluten-free and considered easy to digest.
Preparation
A common cooking method is to treat quinoa much like rice, bringing two cups of water to a boil with one cup of grain, covering at a low simmer and cooking for 14–18 minutes or until the germ separates from the seed. The cooked germ looks like a tiny curl and should have a slight bite to it (like al dente pasta). As an alternative, one can use a rice cooker to prepare quinoa, treating it just like white rice (for both cooking cycle and water amounts).
Nutrition
Nutrition Facts
Serving Size 1 cup (170g)Where found
Quinoa is usually found in the rice & beans section or aisle of the grocery store or supermarket.
Food group
Quinoa is a member of the Cereal Grains and Pasta US Department of Agriculture nutritional food group.
How much does quinoa weigh?
| Amount | Weight |
|---|---|
| 1 cup | 170 grams |
Related
Cereal Grains and Pasta
| In Chinese: | 藜麦 | |
| British (UK) term: | ||
| en français: | quinoa | |
| en español: | quinoa |
Recipes using quinoa
There are 111 recipes that contain this ingredient.
Loaded Vegetable & Quinoa Salad with Miso Orange Dressing
A wide variety of fresh vegetables and quinoa are tossed with a salty and sweet miso orange dressing. Serve it as a refreshingly nutritious side dish or a vegetarian/vegan main course.
Cherry & Quinoa Salad
Fresh sweet cherries and quinoa are tossed with celery, creamy goat cheese, toasted almonds and tangy white wine vinaigrette.
Easy Garden Quinoa
One of my favorite go-to sides, great with any protein or on its own for a light lunch. You can add any combination of chopped vegetables.
Gluten Free Casein Free Chocolate Avocado Muffins
Chocolate muffins packed with nutrients from an avocado you won't detect and protein from Quinoa Flakes!
Gluten-Free Casein-Free Lemon Raspberry Muffins
Delicious Lemon-Raspberry Muffins that are sensitive to the toughest of dietary limitations.
Quinoa, Apple, & Cheddar Salad with Mixed Greens
A light, delicious and refreshing salad. Serve it as a simply tasty side dish or a meatless main course.
Walnut Rosemary Quinoa
A basic, yet scrumptious quinoa recipe that can be served as a side dish or part of a main meal.
Quinoa Tabouli Salad
Very classic middle-Eastern recipe, and it's usually cooked with couscous, here quinoa is an excellent substitution, full of nutrition. It is a great side-dish that can go well with any kind of main dish.
Quinoa, Wild Rice Salad with Cherry & Grapes
Quinoa, wild rice, sweet cherries and grapes are tossed with celeries, feta cheese and a tasty vinaigrette. You will be impressed by both yummy flavor and great texture.
Quinoa Salad with Soy Bean, Roasted Pepper & Nuts
Toasting adds strong nutty flavor into quinoa, roasted walnuts add another layer of nutty flavor and texture. It is a very flavorful and light side dish that goes well with any main course.
Quinoa & Smoked Tofu Salad
Delicious and loaded with flavor. Quinoa is so versatile to cook. Smoked tofu you can find in Asian grocery store, which does add some smoky flavour and meaty texture. Definitely a keeper!
Great Latin Quinoa
Quinoa is a great grain, rich in protein, and you can always add lots of flavor to this simple dish according to your favorite taste.
Herbed Quinoa Salad
A new kind of salad that has a scrumptious taste which is perfect for lunch or a light dinner.
Quinoa Salad with Fennel, Mushrooms & Nuts
Quinoa is a kind of seeds that contains lots of protein, this healthy seed is versatile to prepare, such as this salad. It's delicious and packed with goodness. A great side dish or a whole some meatless main course.
Quinoa, Spinach & Hazelnuts Stuffed Peppers
Toasted quinoa, sauteed spinach, hazelnuts and sun-dried tomato are tossed with salty feta cheese and extra-virgin olive oil, then stuffed into colorful sweet bell peppers. Not only look divine, but they also taste delicious.
Japanese Vegetable Salad with Miso Dressing
Inspired by a Japanese salad I had when I was in Australia. The salad tasted so refreshing, and the miso dressing added tons of flavour. An excellent salad.
Quinoa: Basic Cooking Instructions
This easy recipe will help you make delicious side dishes like pilafs and pudding.
Chinese Quinoa & Edamame Salad
Soy sauce, sichuan hot chili oil, sesame oil, rice vinegar... These tangy Chinese seasonings make this quinoa and edamame salad taste absolutely flavorful, and it's a delicious salad that can be served as a side dish or a main dish; warm, at room temperature or chilled.
Quinoa, Edamame & Roasted Corn Salad with Apples & Maple Walnuts
This delicious and nutritious quinoa salad can be served as a side dish, or it can be a tasty yet wholesome meal all by itself.
Whole Wheat & Quinoa Pancakes
Quinoa is getting more and more popular because it's rich in protein and fiber, and it's versatile to cook. This recipe uses both whole wheat flour and quinoa flour to give the pancakes extra protein and fiber, they are delicious as well. Use fruit sauce, jam or fresh fruits as topping, an ideal breakfast to start the day.
Quinoa, Blueberry & Yogurt Parfait
This breakfast parfait is made with quinoa, yogurt, fresh blueberries and toasted almonds. You can make it one day ahead, put in the fridge, and enjoy this wholesome and delicious parfait next morning.
Quinoa-Black Bean Burgers
A nice alternative to meat burgers, these are packed with veggies and are a good source of protein. Suitable for pan frying or grilling.
