Coconut Quinoa

On the Menu Today~

Coconut Quinoa

What is Quinoa?
Quinoa [KEEN-wah]
Although quinoa is new to the American market,
it has been a staple in South American cuisine for a very long time.
Called "the mother grain" and
hailed as the "supergrain of the future,
"Quinoa" contains more protein than any other grain.
It's considered a complete protein because
it contains all eight essential amino acids.
Quinoa is also higher in unsaturated fats,
lower in carbohydrates than most grains and
provides a rich and balanced source of vital nutrients.
Tiny and bead-shaped, the ivory-colored quinoa cooks like rice but
takes half the time to cook as regular rice, and
expands to four times its original volume.
Its flavor is delicate, almost bland, and is compared to couscous.
Quinoa can be used in any way suitable for rice....
As part of a main dish, a side dish, in soups,
in salads, in puddings and even in breads and cookies.
It's available packaged as a grain,
in several forms of pasta and ground into flour.
Quinoa can be purchased in natural food stores and supermarkets.

I would like to pass along to you,

this fantastic article written by Helen Nichols,

 editor in chief at Well Being Secrets.

The article is about the wonderful

Health Benefits of Quinoa

The taste of quinoa is nutty, earthy and delicious.
It pairs well with flavors like dried cranberries,
walnuts, sweet potatoes and acorn squash...
...to name a few...

Coconut Quinoa

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon coconut oil
• 1 1/2 cups quinoa, rinsed well
• 1 (13.5 oz) can unsweetened coconut milk
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• roasted coconut chips, garnish

Cooking Directions

1. Heat oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat.
2. Add quinoa and cook, stirring often, until golden,  about 5 minutes.
3. Add coconut milk, salt and 1 1/2 cups water, stir to combine. Bring to a boil; reduce heat, cover and simmer until quinoa is tender and liquid is evaporated, 20 to 25 minutes. 
4. Let sit 10 minutes, fluff with a fork.

Coconut, Quinoa

Quinoa info: Food Lover's Companion
Recipe adapted from: Bon Appetit
Roasted coconut chips: Trader Joe's