Quinoa

Quinoa was originally grown in the Andean region of west America and was used as a main source of food for over 6000 years. In recent years it became very popular in western society and is a key ingredient in different dishes, due to its’ health properties and it’s great flavour

What makes it so healthy?

Quinoa is extremely rich in Amino Acids which are vital to the human body and contains high protein value.

It also contains Iron, Magnesium, fibre and phosphor.

Quinoa measures low in G.I (glycaemic index) in comparison to rice and other grains which makes it suitable for people who suffer from high sugar levels, people wishing to lose weight and others who simply wish to maintain good health!

Quinoa “veggie-balls”

1 Cup Quinoa

2.5 cups Water

Salt to taste

2 Chopped cloves of garlic

2 grated carrots

1 grated courgette

3 Tbs Wheat germ

2 Tbs Rye flour

Soy sauce

Coconut oil for frying

Cook the quinoa for 30 minutes in 2 cups of water and some salt

Melt a generous amount of coconut oil in a frying pan

Mix all ingredients in a bowl. If the mixture is too dry add a bit of water. Create medium sized balls and fry on low heat until golden.

Quinoa salad with cranberries pomegranate and nuts

2 cups of quinoa

4 cups water

1 cup of chopped parsley

1 cup of chopped spearmint

1 cup of dried cranberries (with no added sugar)

Seeds from 1 pomegranate

½ cup extra virgin olive oil

¼ cup freshly squeezed lemon juice

¼ cup agave syrup/ honey

Cook quinoa for 15-20 minutes and bring to the boil. Let it cool for another 15 minutes

Shallow fry nuts until golden

When ready, add rest of ingredients (except honey, olive oil and lemon)

Mix together all the remaining ingredients and poor over salad.

Quinoa Taboule’

1 cup quinoa

1.5 cups water

Olive oil

1 onion

1/5 Tsp cumin

1/5 finely chopped chilli (optional)

2 large tomatoes- chopped

Handful chopped parsley

Handful chopped spearmint

3 crushed cloves of garlic

200gr green beans

Salt to taste

Chop and fry onion in olive oil until it turns see-through

Add quinoa and water and boil for 28 minuts until soft and plumped. Leave to cool for 20 minutes after cooking

Chop green beans into small pieces and bring to the boil

Place the quinoa and beans along with the rest of the ingredients and give it a good stir. Add salt to taste