Quinoa

Quinoa /KEEN-wah/ is definitely a winner in my book.  It’s an unreal superfood and should be a part of your healthy diet.

Here are some Fun Quinoa Facts:

Fun Fact 1

Quinoa is a complete protein with all the essential amino acids and it’s rich with minerals.

Fun Fact 2

It is full of fiber, iron, magnesium, Vitamin E and B Vitamins.  We could all use more of these nutrients.  Quinoa would be the perfect solution.

Fun Fact 3

It can be used as a rice substitute.  Quinoa is an ancient seed and it’s also gluten free.  A perfect tool to aid weight loss.

Greek Quinoa Salad

Salad & Dressing Ingredients:

Nutrition Facts Greek Quinoa Salad:

Insane amount of nutrition over here!!! 

• 20% of yummy fat!  Remember fat does not make you fat!  Sugar does. 
• 20% of your daily dietary fiber!
• 13% of your daily calcium!
• 26% of your daily iron!
• 19% of your daily potassium!
• A whopping 10.5 grams of protein!
• Only 2.9 grams of sugar!
• Only 311 calories per serving!

I sound like an infomercial but it’s all true!!!  Just take a look below!!!

Instructions:

Step 1

Prepare black eyed peas.  This needs to be done the day before.  Soak them overnight or for 8 hours.  Then boil for an hour in a stock pot of fresh water.  Drain the foamy gray water and rinse with fresh water.  Now, the black eyed peas are ready.  Cool them in the fridge.

(This is the way my Nuni, maternal grandma, did it in India.  She passed on this traditional cooking tip to me.  During my nutrition studies, I was reintroduced to her method of prepping beans.  This long process helps remove gas from the beans so you won’t feel like Gassy Jack!  Prepping beans may sound daunting or time consuming but slow food is the answer.  If you don’t want indigestion, boil the beans.) 

Alternatively, you could also just open a can of beans.

(Some rare companies do prep beans before canning them.  Do your homework.)

Step 2

Boil a cup of quinoa in 2 cups of water.  It should only take 15 minutes to puff up.  Cool it down in the fridge.

Step 3

Chop, slice, spiralize or julienne all the veggies and herbs.  Combine vegetables, herbs and quinoa.

Dressing:

Step 1

Stir olive oil, balsamic vinegar and minced garlic together.

Step 2

Pour the dressing mixture on top of the colourful salad.  Stir it all together and enjoy your nourishing meal.

Warning:

It tastes so good and is so satisfying, your body will thank you.  Sugar cravings may subside and weight loss may occur if it is eaten regularly.