Pass The Quinoa!!

Quinoa is an old-world grain that has been around for centuries. My students always love seeing how it's used in dishes. It makes for a great side dish, a morning cereal, a main ingredient in stir frys and a variety of other delights. Plus, you can bake with the flour.

Quinoa contains numerous beneficial nutrients. Nutrients include fiber which aids cardiovascular and digestive health. It provides a natural appetite suppressant, to fill you up and cause you to eat less. Who can't use that?

Other nutrients include:

• Calcium helps maintain bone strength and density.
• Copper, which helps your body absorb iron.
• Zinc, which supports a healthy immune system. Do you take zinc supplements when you feel a cold coming on? Or take a hit when you have a cold to lessen symptoms? If not, you're missing out on a treasured nutrient.
• Iron, to keep your blood healthy and nourished

Quinoa contains rich amounts of potassium, the mineral needed to help regulate heart beats, maintain a healthy blood pressure level, lower anxiety levels, prevent muscle spasms and contractions, protect against stroke – wow. Who knew all this could come out of a grain?

Experiment with quinoa. When cooked, it resembles Saturn. You know, the planet with a ring around it? The texture is pleasant, also.

Go quinoa! Enjoy!

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Healthy Quinoa Stir Fry

As a grain, quinoa contains the highest protein content out of all grains. Cooking with quinoa is easy. On its own, the grain has a mild taste and crunchiness. When cooked with other ingredients, it can come alive. When cooked, quinoa takes on a Saturn-like appearance. It's fun. Here's an easy and quick way to enjoy this wonderful grain...

Serves 2-3

½ cup uncooked quinoa
1 teaspoon olive oil
2 cloves garlic, chopped
1 small onion, sliced
1 teaspoon fresh ginger, sliced
2 teaspoon Italian seasoning (parsley, oregano, rosemary, thyme)
1 red pepper, seeded and cut into strips
½ cup mushrooms, sliced
¼ cup broccoli, peeled and cut into florettes
1 medium carrot, peeled and sliced
1 cup chicken, cooked and cut into strips
soy sauce to taste

Prepare quinoa by placing between 1 and 1.5 cups of water into medium saucepan. Add a drop or two of oil. Bring water to boil. Reduce heat and add quinoa. Stir frequently while cooking. Drain and set aside.

Place olive oil into medium-sized wok or fry pan. Add spices and onion. Stir while adding remaining vegetables and chicken. Add more olive oil, if needed. Cook over medium heat until veggies can be poked with a fork. Do not overcook veggies.

Place quinoa onto serving platter or plates and pour veggie mixture onto top. Season to taste with soy sauce.

Enjoy!!
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