Quinoa!

If you haven't ever eaten quinoa, give it a try this week! Quinoa (pronounced "keen-wa") is a grain that is high in protein (considered a "complete protein" because it contains all nine essential amino acids), iron, complex carbohydrates, B vitamins, zinc, and magnesium. Also, it cooks in only about 15 minutes! You can buy it at most grocery stores (in addition to boxed/bagged quinoa, it is also frequently available in bulk) or even at Costco.

Here are four ideas to get you started:

1. Add lightly toasted sesame seeds and sea salt to cooked quinoa and serve as a side dish.
2. Toss cooked and cooled quinoa with a bit of olive oil, apple cider vinegar, sea salt, pepper, and your favorite veggies for a great grain salad or green salad topper.
3. Instead of oatmeal for breakfast, top warm cooked quinoa with the milk of your choice, fruit, and nuts or seeds.
4. For meals that are usually served over rice or noodles, use quinoa instead.

Originally published 8/2010