More and more people are looking for variety in their daily diet. When it comes to health and a balanced diet, we prioritize both the taste and appearance of our dishes – it's nice when a meal looks appealing on the plate. We shouldn't forget that we "eat with our eyes" first. Moreover, when preparing meals for family members, it's nice to surprise guests with something new, exotic, and unique, not to mention delicious and aromatic. So, if you're tired of the classic pork chops with cabbage and potatoes, ground meat cutlets, bigos, and żurek, we recommend quinoa.
For those seeking new, healthy flavors, we present quinoa. We've written about its benefits numerous times, for example here: Quinoa for Beginners . In addition to presenting the plant itself and its nutritional value, we also provide three recipes for its preparation.
What is quinoa?
It is an annual plant belonging to the Quinoa family, the same as the well-known spinach and beets. Quinoa has been known to humanity for thousands of years . It was a staple of the diet of South American Indians, particularly in the Inca Empire, where it replaced corn. It has been cultivated in Latin America for five thousand years.
Why is it worth eating Quinoa?
Quinoa fruit contains forty-eight percent starch, eighteen percent protein, four to nine percent unsaturated fatty acids, and antioxidants. It is also a rich source of calcium, phosphorus, iron, vitamins E and B, and minerals . Some varieties also contain saponins, which are bitter and require rinsing before preparation. Quinoa has a low glycemic index, making it an ideal food for diabetics and those trying to lose weight. Quinoa is also a fantastic addition to the diet of breastfeeding women, as it supports lactation.
Quinoa recipes:
Faćka
- Preparation time: 30 minutes
- Easy
Ingredients:
Serves two
- 200 grams of white quinoa
- 100 grams of young nettle
- 100 grams of barley groats
- 2 cloves of garlic
- 100 grams of smoked bacon
Preparation:
- Begin preparation by dicing the bacon and frying it until crispy. Add chopped garlic.
- After briefly sautéing, add the washed and chopped quinoa and nettle (leaves only). Sauté everything together until the greens are softened – they should look wilted.
- At the same time, cook the groats until soft.
- Then combine everything and mix, seasoning with salt and pepper to taste. Serve the dish warm.
Organic Quinoa - White - Quinoa - Organic
Tabula with quinoa
- Preparation time: 30 minutes
- Easy
Ingredients:
Serves four
- 500 ml of water
- a glass of quinoa
- a pinch of salt
- 4 tablespoons of olive oil
- ½ teaspoon of Himalayan salt
- 4 tablespoons of lemon juice
- 3 finely chopped tomatoes
- 1 cucumber, cut into small pieces
- 2 bunches of chives, chopped
- 2 grated carrots
- 1 cup chopped parsley
Preparation
- Pour the quinoa and a pinch of salt into boiling water and cook over low heat for fifteen minutes.
- Next, let the quinoa cool and fluff it with a fork. To save time, combine the olive oil, sea salt, lemon juice, tomato, cucumber, carrot, and parsley in a large bowl.
- We then combine all this with the cooled quinoa and serve it.
- A delicious dish combining quinoa with vegetables is ready!
Organic Olive Oil - Extra Virgin - Organic - 500ml
Quinoa with watermelon and dark chocolate
- Preparation time: 10 minutes
- Very easy
Ingredients:
Serves two
- ½ kilogram of peeled watermelon with seeds removed
- 30 grams of dark chocolate
- 30 grams of unsalted roasted almonds
- 400 grams of low-fat yogurt
- 7 tablespoons of cooked quinoa
Preparation:
- Cut the watermelon into small cubes. Grate the chocolate into fine shavings.
- Place one third of the watermelon, chocolate and almonds in two previously prepared containers (e.g. decorative glasses).
- Pour yogurt over everything, filling the glass to a third of its height. Repeat the process, being careful not to fill the glass to the brim the second time.
- Finally, add the rest of the watermelon, chocolate and almonds, decorating with quinoa seeds.
- This delicious quinoa dessert is ready! Serve it with a long dessert spoon.
Organic Quinoa - Red - Quinoa - Organic - 400g
Also check out other winning recipes:
