Quinoa

[RowanC]

I just read that quinoa is one of the highest sources known of protein (other than animal protein).

Has anyone here successfully used it raw?

Is it possible to "cook" it with warm or cold water instead of boiling?

Anybody have any recipes?

[andypdx]

Well, you can sprout it...

http://www.sproutpeople.com/seed/quinoa.html

[Morn]

Thats good information to know! I used it when I made Tabouli just recently instead of the traditional bulgar wheat. Yes you can sprout it like Andypx says.

[hypnocmt]

I have sproued it to make tabbouleh, and to use a a "sprinkles' kinda garnish on salads when I want something lighter than nuts. I would love to know if anyone has any success in soaking it to get the soft oatmeal-like texture it has cooked. Quinoa was one of my fave cooked staples. I miss having it with raisins and honey for breakfast or dessert.

A gluten-intolerant pal of mine also says it makes great cookies...don't know about raw though.

I just bought some red quinoa. Thought it might be a good ersatz hummus experiment...maybe I'll experiment with it!

[RawBecky]

I too enjoy quinoa! Maybe next this week I'll pick some up at the bulk section to see if it can sprout.

[Stina]

I have more success sprouting small batches of it in a strainer over a bowl with a paper towel over the top to increase air circulation and for the best drainage. I digest it real well. And it's cheap too.

[Stina]

Do you know if it's technically even a grain? I understand that buckwheat isn't, for examply, but rather the seed of a fruit. All grains are seeds right? but not all seeds are grains. Anyone know the definition of a grain? I'm curious because of the controversy over grains. How do you fatten up cattle? Feed 'em grain, not grass.

[Trolltyget]

If you decide to sprout quinoa, which is actually very easy to do, just remember to RINSE. And I mean RINSE. Do it often and and thoroughly since quinoa has a tendency to mold.

And yes, quinoa isnt a grain, but a seed.

[RowanC]

Actually we used to fatten ours up on corn... which technically I guess IS a grain... maybe that's why it makes me fat?:confused:

[Tropigal]

quinoa is a SEED.
as well as buckwheat & millet.

[Liserpiece]

I sprout Quinoa, (rinsing A LOT) and put it on my salads, it has the best flavor and a nice little crunch. I buy it bulk, so it packs a lot of bang for my buck! Here is a great recipe my whole family loves:

Sprouted Quinoa Plate with Salsa and Vegetables

Serves 1
Sprouted Quinoa:
35-50g (1 1/2 - 2 oz) quinoa grain
Salsa:
1 (preferably ripe-ish) tomato
1 spring onion (scallion, green onion)
a few leaves fresh basil
(don't sub dried, better to omit)
up to 1/2 clove garlic
(omit if you hate raw garlic)
Vegetables:
1/2 (sweet) red (bell) pepper
1 ear of corn
1 medium mushroom
Braggs to taste
To Serve:
1/2 serving (1/4 recipe) Almond Pâté
(or 4 tbsp other raw nut or seed pâté)
1. Begin this recipe 24-28 hours in advance to allow for sprouting and soaking. First prepare, soak and sprout the quinoa. You could set the almonds soaking for the pâté at the same time.
2. To prepare the salsa, chop everything very finely (especially the garlic) and mix together.
3. To prepare the vegetables, deseed and chop the pepper, slice the off the cobb and chop the mushroom. Season with Bragg's and mix well.
4. Spread the quinoa sprouts over a plate, then place a mound of the Almond Pâté in the middle. Spread the salsa in a thin ring around the outside of the plate, then put the vegetables between the salsa and the Almond Pâté. You won't be able to see the quinoa.
5. Eat and enjoy!

Liserpiece

[RowanC]

Thanks! This looks yummy!