by Elizabeth Claire

Created on: July 26, 2008   Last Updated: August 08, 2011

Quinoa (pronounced keen-wa) is not a true grain but technically a fruit of the Chenopodium family that was considered sacred by the ancient Incans and called "the mother grain," and it is a safe and excellent source of nutrition for infants, children and adults alike.

Quinoa is gluten-free and contains more protein than any other grain; an average of 16.2%, compared with 7.5% for rice, 9.9% for millet, and 14% for wheat. Some varieties of quinoa are more than 20% protein. The protein in quinoa is also of an unusually high quality. It is a complete protein with close to an ideal balance of all the essential amino acids and also provides starch, sugars, oil (high in essential linoleic acid), fiber, minerals, and vitamins.

Quinoa can be easily substituted for almost any grain in almost any recipe and it is easier for the body to digest than those heavier 'classic' grains. It looks and tastes great on its own, or in any dish from soup to salad.

The grain itself is soft and delicate and the tail is crunchy which creates a pleasant "crunch" and interesting texture when eaten. Quinoa is fluffy and has a mild, slightly nutty flavor that borders on bland, so it combines well with more flavorful ingredients.

You can purchase quinoa in any health food store, and with the continuing popularity of healthy grains, if your local market has an Organic section, there is a good chance they have quinoa near there or in the Grains section. When in doubt, just call ahead and ask!

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WARM FRUIT and QUINOA

Ingredients (Organic When and Where You Can)

Makes approximately 3 meal-sized servings. A sweet and nutritious treat any time.

1 cup Quinoa
2 cups water
Salt
1/4 cup golden Hunza raisins
1/4 cup chopped dried Cherries
1/4 cup chopped Gala apples (slice rest of apples in slices for garnish; squeeze with lemon juice to keep from browning)
1/4 cup chopped dates
2 tbsp Wheat Germ
2 tbsp chopped walnuts
Stevia (one packet)
Coconut
Agave Nectar
Cinnamon (to taste)
1/4 cup Almond Breeze Vanilla Almond Milk

Optional for more sweetness: 2 tbsp Brown Sugar

In a separate bowl, place raisins, chopped dried cherries, apples, dates, walnuts, coconut and the Stevia. Drizzle lightly with agave
nectar and set aside.

Rinse quinoa well with cold water (to remove any remaining saponin, a soapy tasting coating, from the grain).

Place the quinoa in a saucepan over a high heat, add the water and some salt, and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 5-10
minutes. Add the mixture of dried fruits and continue to simmer until most of the water is absorbed and the quinoa has an 'oatmeal'-like consistency.

At this point, add in up to a 1/4 cup of Almond Milk (the Vanilla flavor gives this dish an amazing scent and taste), and the additional
brown sugar (or other natural sweetener).

Sprinkle in Wheat Germ, mix well and serve warm in bowls.

* Try splitting the qty of quinoa with ½ steel cut oats to get cholesterol reducing benefits as well!

Nutrients/Serving: Calories 347, Fat 8.14 g (Sat. 1.93 g, PolyUnSat. 3.34 g, MonoUnSat. 1.62 g), Cholesterol 0 g, Sodium 216 mg, Potassium 679 mg, Carbohydrates 63.6 g, Dietary Fiber 6.06 g, Sugars 1.25 g, Protein 9.58 g Other (%RDA): Calcium-7%, Iron-34%, Thiamin (B1)-14%, Riboflavin (B2)-25%, Niacin (B3)-15%, B6-15%, Phosphorus-41%, Magnesium-45%, Zinc-27%, Copper-69%, Manganese-93%

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