Mild quinoa is an easy choice in boosting a ...

Tag : Grain Powder

Technically the seed of a grass, quinoa is considered a grain.Compared to other whole grains, it is relatively rich in protein.Quinoa is also pleasingly light-textured and mild tasting. It is agreat starter grain for anyone skeptical about making the switch towhole grains. Quinoa has a rich history. Unlike their highly prized exports ofchocolate, chile peppers and squash, the Spanish conquistadors didnot want to ship quinoa back home from Latin America . In fact, they tried to prevent even the Incas, who relied on thiswhole grain as a key protein source, from eating it in order toweaken them and make them easier to conquer.

They were too late,however, as the Incas had discovered the benefits of quinoa manycenturies before. In addition to its distinctive taste and prized nutrition, thegrain is exceptionally versatile and easy to use. It cooks in 15 to20 minutes and can be used in a myriad of dishes from breakfast todessert. In the morning, try quinoa as a hot breakfast cereal mixedwith raisins, cinnamon, a touch of maple syrup and a sliced banana.For lunch, use it to make tabbouleh, a wheat salad featured inMiddle Eastern cuisine. At dinnertime, cook the grain in broth withcurry powder and serve alongside black beans and stir-friedvegetables.

These colorful stuffed peppers also make good use of quinoa.Although any bell pepper variety will do, the sweet, delicateflavor of yellow peppers goes particularly well with the grain. Agenerous mix of vegetables and North African spices round out theflavors in this colorful one-dish meal. Something Different is provided as a public service by the American Institute for Cancer Research .