Quinoa: What is it all about anyway?

I stumbled upon quinoa (pronounced Keen-wa) about 6 months ago.  I was looking for a healthy alternative to rice and pasta that was flavorful and could be mixed with anything, so I decided to give quinoa a try.  It was delicious!  I think we ate it with every meal the first week I found it.  It is very versatile and I have been experimenting with it in many different ways.  I was a fan instantly, but it wasn't until I started diving into what quinoa was all about that I really grew a great appreciation for it.

I had always thought quinoa was a grain until I read in a magazine that it is actually a seed, this intrigued me to research further.  When I started my research (mostly to find awesome recipes) I was blown away by the nutritional benefits and content that quinoa possesses.  Not only is it DELIC but it is extremely good for you also!  It is funny how excited I get about food, really I grew up around it and it has always been such a huge part of our families gathering.  I was talking with an awesome friend today about food and how some people just eat because they know they need it to fuel their body, and then there are people like me who eat because we love it; the only downfall is all the amazing stuff is isn't so amazing for your health or waistline.  At least that is what I thought until I started educating myself and seeking advice from others, I found that food can taste amazing and be amazing for you at the same time.

Quinoa is an outstanding example of taste and health all tied together in one little seed.  Did I say seed?  Yes, seed-quinoa is a seed; it is from the beets, spinach, and chard family.  Scientists are now calling it a superfood because of the fact that it is full of antioxidants, phytonutrients and can even help balance your blood sugar (similar to another amazing superfood Ive grown to love, acai).  Due to the fact that it is not a grain nor from the grass family, people with food allergies or intolerances, such as wheat allergies, can indulge in the great seed.  Quinoa is a whole food, meaning it gives you healthy carbs, proteins, and fats all in one food.  Along with those properties it also contains fiber, vitamins, and minerals.  It is a very unique vegetarian protein in that is contains all eight of the essential amino acids.  One specific benefit of quinoa is its high magnesium levels.  Jillian Michaels discusses in her book, The Master Your Metabolism Cookbook, that quinoa can help people fight migraines due to the magnesium working to relax blood vessels.

So...if you understand now how awesome quinoa can be for your body, it is time to try it out on your taste buds.  I have made many different dishes with quinoa, some from experiment, some from recipes, and one of my favorites is one that I concocted myself-Quinoa and Tofu Stir-fry!  Those of you tofu phobics need not be afraid it is actually really quite scrumptious when cooked right.  But if you are still too "chicken" to try it then just substitute the tofu for chicken ;).

Quinoa and Tofu Stir-fry

Prepare the tofu at least 5 hours before cooking it.  Take out of packaging and water and cut into 1in. cubes.  Let sit out and dehydrate for about 2 1/2 hours.  Then toss tofu with soy sauce and let marinate for about 2 more hours.  

Start by cooking the quinoa according to package directions or by combining 2 3/4 cups chicken stock (vegetable stock for vegetarians) and 1 1/2 cups quinoa in a pot.  (If you dont have any stock, water will work fine.  For a little extra flavor you can add a little lemon juice as well.)  Bring to a boil.  Then reduce heat to a simmer, cover the pot, and cook for 12-15 minutes until all liquid is absorbed.  Once quinoa is cooked set aside.

Meanwhile, while quinoa is cooking you can start the veggies and tofu.  Prepare whichever veggies are your favorite, I prefer broccoli, red bell pepper, mushroom, and green onion.
-Cut the broccoli and bell pepper into 1 in. pieces
-Slice the mushrooms and chop the green onion
(About 1/2-1 cup of each)
-Pour about 2-3 tbsp. extra virgin olive oil into pan and add 1-2 cloves crushed or chopped garlic
-Add veggies after oil heats up
-Add in soy sauce, sesame oil, and sesame seeds to taste
-Cook veggies for about 5 min. or until they start to soften
-Add tofu cubes
-As cooking add in more soy sauce and sesame oil to taste (use sesame oil sparingly as it is high in fat)
-Saute tofu and veggies for about 15 min. or until cooked and browned (I prefer my tofu very browned)
- Once tofu and veggies are cooked and browned add in cooked quinoa and saute it all together for about 5 min.
-serve immediately

If you have any feedback or modifications for the recipe please share!

Enjoy,
LJ