Every time I go for a grocery shopping these days, I often come across a new fancy ingredient. My husband, being a foodie, always wishes to have a variety in meals. This is the reason why I go crazy and can’t wait to start experimenting with the new stuff in my kitchen. One such super grain that emerged as a clear favorite in my kitchen is “Quinoa”. It offers a double dose of nutrients by being both high in fiber and in protein. Also known as “mother of all grains”, it’s a part of goosefeet family. According to USDA one cup cooked quinoa has 2.8 grams of iron, 6 grams of protein and nine essential amino acids that contributes to 25% of your daily recommended intake. On the top, it is high in lysine, the amino acid that is responsible for healing sore muscles.

With only 222 calories per serving and only 5 grams of unsaturated fat, it meets the definition of a super food. Everyone in my family likes eating this super food. I use to serve it as a hearty side-dish, or using it as an energy boosting breakfast, or making it in main course. Trust me quinoa is the best alternative to replace rice from your meals.

So ladies, get ready to try out these super amazing recipes with this super-food.

1. Sun Dried Tomato, Spinach and Quinoa Salad: Power-pack salad recipes to kick start any meal.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup quinoa, rinsed
• 1/3 cup sun dried tomatoes
• 2 cups spinach, chopped
• 1/3 cups sliced almonds
• ¼ tsp olive oil
• Salt, to taste
For Lemon Dressing
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 2tbsp lemon juice
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp mustard sauce
• ½ tsp salt
• Pinch of red chili flakes
• Freshly ground black pepper

Instructions:

a. Combine quinoa with 2 cups water in a saucepan. Bring the mixture to boil and let it cook till soft.
b. Whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, mustard, salt and red chili flakes. Season it with freshly ground black pepper.
c. Toast the almonds in ¼ tsp of olive oil in a pan. Add a dash of salt and let them cook till fragrant.
d. Once the quinoa is done cooking, mix it with a fork and then transfer it into your serving bowl. Drizzle all of the dressing on top and toss to combine. Add the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and wait a few more minutes to add the spinach so it doesn’t wilt completely. Toss again, season to taste with additional salt and pepper, if necessary, and serve immediately.

So, in your next visit to grocery store, don’t forget to pick up miraculous grain and try out its variations in breakfast, lunch and dinner. Clearly quinoa offers many benefits and the important thing is you have many ways to incorporate this nutritious food to your daily meals.

Discover your own healthy and tasty quinoa recipes and start cooking today!!

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