Quinoa - A Super Food

So I ate quinoa tonight for dinner and it made me think that I should share news of this amazing food with those I love.

Quinoa, though it tastes like a grain is actually an edible seed. It originates in South America and the Incans believed that the crop was sacred, (much like the Mayans believe corn to be sacred).

The protein content of quinoa is very high 12-18%, and unlike wheat or rice it contains a balanced set of essential amino acids, which makes it a good food for vegetarians. But it is also a good food for all because it contains lots of fiber, iron, phosphorus, manganese and magnesium. And it is gluten-free, making it easy to digest!

So, here is a recipe that is easy to follow:

Quinoa and Kale Bowl

1 cup of quinoa
2 cups of kale, chopped
2 tomatoes
1 avocado
salad dressing of your choosing

Rinse the quinoa in a strainer and add quinoa with 2 cups of water to a saucepan. Salt to taste and bring contents to a boil. Once boiling, add the kale and stir. Turn heat to low and steam for 15-20 minutes.

Chop tomatoes and avocado. Once quinoa is finished steaming, serve with tomato and avocado on top.

I also usually pour some salad dressing on top to give it some moisture. I buy a wasabi-flavored dressing from Whole Foods but any dressing will do.

Voila - A yummy, nutricious, high-protein, gluten-free dinner!