Food of the Week [Part 2]: Crazy for Quinoa at Her Active Life

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Food of the Week [Part 2]: Crazy for Quinoa

Posted March 23, 2008 at 06:00 PM by Jessica Hale

Section: Her Nutrition, Healthy Eating, Recipes, Vegetarianism, Special Features, Food of the Week

Quinoa Breakfast Increasing in popularity all over North America, quinoa is not just for health nuts anymore. Its nutty flavor, cute spiral shape and complete protein content make it a great choice for anyone who wants to add a little variety and extra health to their diet without sacrificing taste or time.

Although quinoa may seem relatively new to our kitchens, it’s actually been enjoyed by the people of Andean South America for at least 5,000 years. Quinoa was sacred to the ancient Incans, who called it the “mother seed”. It was so important to their culture that when the Spanish arrived to colonize the region, they destroyed quinoa fields and executed South American Indians who were caught growing the plant in their attempt to subjugate and control the people. Quinoa was all but unheard of for hundreds of years afterwards, until innovators in Colorado began cultivating it again in the 1980s. Since then, modern health-conscious consumers have helped quinoa regain a foothold.

The United Nations classify quinoa as a “super crop” because it is a complete protein that can grow in high altitudes, extreme temperatures, and without much rainfall. A recent study by the American Institute for Cancer Research suggests that whole grains, like quinoa, are just as important for promoting health as fruits and vegetables, if not more so. While most cancer research has focused on fiber alone in preventing cancer, the AICR argues that fiber combined with different phytonutrients found in whole grains are even more effective. So if you’ve been trying to cut back on your carb intake, make sure to consider the health benefits of quinoa and other whole grains.

Yesterday we showed you a salad with quinoa that makes a great healthy lunch. But quinoa is also a good choice for breakfast that will keep you full all day. Try this super-simple recipe the morning before a busy day.

Recipe Profile

Perfect For: Keeping you satisfied until lunchtime

Servings: 2

Preparation Time: 20 minutes

Ingredients:

1 cup water
1/2 cup quinoa
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 cup whole, dried apricots
Handful slivered almonds

Bring the water to a boil and add quinoa. Reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes. Add the cinnamon and apricots, and simmer until water is absorbed. Add the almonds and serve with a splash of soy milk. Sweeten to taste with maple syrup or brown sugar.