Gluten-Free Today!

Gluten-free cooking may mean giving up many familiar grains, but it also can be an opportunity to try out new ones. I discovered quinoa (KEEN-wa) while searching for a quick and easy couscous substitute, and I was hooked. Quinoa is a nutty-tasting, ancient South American gluten-free grain. It is quick-cooking, high in protein, and a good source of fiber. It is very versatile, making a delicious breakfast, lunch, dinner, or even dessert. Quinoa can be used in any recipe that calls for couscous, bulgur, or rice. In addition, many rabbis consider quinoa kosher for Passover.

How and Where to Buy Quinoa :
Quinoa is available as a whole grain, rolled flakes, flour, and pasta at most natural foods stores. Ancient Harvest and Bob’s Red Mill sell a variety of quinoa products online.

How to Cook Basic Quinoa:
1 c. raw quinoa
2 c. water (or stock, for a savory dish)
pinch of salt (optional)

Pour the quinoa into a medium-sized pot. Toast the grains over medium heat. Shake often to prevent the quinoa from burning. When the quinoa is light brown and smells toasted, add the water. Cover the pot. Bring the water to a boil and reduce the heat to low. Simmer the quinoa for about 15 min. or until all of the water is absorbed. If the quinoa seems crunchy, add more water and continue to cook. When the quinoa is finished, remove the pot from the heat and allow it to sit covered for 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork. Add salt and pepper to taste.

Toast the whole grains in a dry pan before adding the cooking liquid to eliminate bitterness and enhance the nutty flavor.

1. Use quinoa as a side dish. Flavor with salt, pepper, olive or sesame oil, and your spices of choice.

2. Use quinoa to stuff vegetables. Add your spices of choice to cooked quinoa, fill vegetable cavities, and bake.

3. Eat quinoa for breakfast. Add milk, dried fruit, cinnamon, nutmeg, and toasted nuts to cooked quinoa.

4. Substitute quinoa flakes for oatmeal in baked goods.

5. Mix quinoa flour with brown rice flour and tapioca flour (or other gluten-free flours) to increase the protein in your favorite pizza dough recipe.

Stayed tuned to read what other bloggers are doing with quinoa…

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