Quinoa

By Jessica

I've recently given up meat, for health reasons, and one of the biggest dietary concerns for vegetarians is proper nutri-tional balance. It's very important to ensure not only that you are getting enough proteins but that you are getting complete proteins, proteins with a high concentration of lysine, and fortunately for us; Quinoa is one of the most complete non-meat proteins you can find. 

Quinoa (pronounced KEEN-wah, most commonly) is also hugely versatile and can be substituted for rice or couscous in most applications, can be served hot or cold, is gluten free and is hugely filling. I usually cook up a large bit of it and keep it in the fridge to use throughout the week for lunches and dinners and it's a such a time saver.  One of my favorite ways to eat it is mixed with a bunch of veg and stuffed in a wrap so, I'm going to share that recipe with you here. It's not a hard and fast recipe, if there are certain veggies that you like better than others, feel free to substitute and experiment. 

Quinoa Wrap

1/2 cup prepared Quinoa (cooked according to package directions) 

1/4 cup thawed frozen spinach

1/4 shredded or chopped carrots

5 sun-dried tomatoes diced

1/4 cup feta cheese (or more to taste)

Balsamic Vinaigrette (bottled is fine but I make my own)

1 La Tortilla Soft Wrap tomato and basil variety

Combine the Quinoa and the veggies and make sure that everything is well distributed. If it looks like you need a bit more Quinoa, go ahead and add a little bit more. When I make mine I use 1/2 cup and then a tiny bit extra. Now add your balsamic and any salt and pepper to taste. Once everything is mixed, lay your wrap out onto a plate and pour the Quinoa mixture onto the center of the wrap, you want to keep the mixture in the center so you can fold the wrap around it like a burrito. I leave the top open and just fold the bottom and the sides to lock the Quinoa in, but that's my own personal preference. 

Very filling and very tasty! I can never finish a whole one. 
 

{Photo credit: Quinoa.net}

Comments

[abby]

As a vegetarian, who bought about 10 lbs. of quinoa and has no idea what to do with it, I appreciate this post. I'm excited to try this!!!

[Natalie]

I made my very first quinoa dish tonight. It is a little bit bland. Next time I think I'm going to add the lemon first and let it cook with the lemon & zest. I do that with a rice recipe and it is very yummy.

http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/food-network-kitchens/quinoa-with-garlic-pine-nuts-and-raisins-recipe/index.html