Some food was introduced to me only after coming to the
UK. Things like baobab fruit, kale, flaxseeds and quinoa. Four years back
quinoa was the trend setter in the food market and internet food world.
Everyone was talking about it, buying it, cooking it and writing about it on
blogs. I too did some research and found out that the much hyped quinoa is actually
healthy. Researchers, dietitians, health freaks everyone proved with their
stories and data that quiona is health food superstar. Two years back I tried quinoa
and posted Indian style steamed cakes- quinoa and oats dhokla recipe.
Quinoa, pronounced as ‘keen-wa’ is a great wheat-free
alternative to starchy grains such as rice and pasta. Recently Quinola Mothergain sent
me three packets of red, white and black quinoa.
Pearl (white) - the smooth one.
Red-the nutty one.
Black- the crunchy one.
At Quinola they are convinced that you will fall in love
with quinoa. That is why they only do quinoa based products. Their quinoa is Peru’s
finest and tastiest and has won many awards for its quality. It gluten free, vegetarian
and gets cooked in 20 minutes-what else could you wish for! Well they are also into express quinoa (one that is instant), baby quinoa and kids quinoa . For more detail on what is quinoa, what are the benefits and recipes do check-http://quinola.com/
They give you 5 reasons why everyone should try Quinola and I am totally
convinced :)
I mixed 1/4 cup each of Quinola quinoa and tossed along with
sweet corn, bell peppers and some seasoning and made a quick salad. It looked
colourful and the taste was nutty, crunchy and smooth-all in one. Later, I filled
the salad into taco shells for Mexican touch and to complete the meal. That is what I love about quinoa,
you can serve it as a side salad, mix it up with chickpeas, beans or just some
veggies, roll it tacos or enchiladas for a complete dinner meal -the ideas are
endless.
Ingredients:
1/4 cup white (pearl) quinoa
1/4 cup red quinoa
1/4 cup black quinoa
1/4 cup sweet corn boiled
1/4 cup bell pepper chopped finely
1 green chilli chopped
Salt to taste
1 tablespoon olive oil/butter
1 teaspoon lemon juice
1 and 1/2 cups water
4 taco shells
Method:
Heat oil in a pan. Add butter/oil. Reduce heat to slow.
Throw all the three quinoa into the pan. Roast the quinoa
on a slow flame till you hear popping sound.
Add water and salt. Cover and cook for 30 minutes. After
30 minutes, take a fork and fluff the quinoa seeds.
Mix bell peppers, sweet corn, green chilli and lemon
juice.
Heat taco shells in the oven at 180C for 2 minutes. Fill
the taco shells with quinoa salad and serve.
Notes:
You can use any kind of quinoa, not necessary to use all
three kinds.
Mix boiled chickpeas, red kidney beans for more filling
meal.
Serving suggestions.
Serve as a side salad with any main dishes like burger or
pasta.
Roll this salad in tortilla wraps with some patties and
serve.
Disclaimer: I was not paid or told to write positive review. The post is based on my experience and is unbiased. Thanking Quinola Mothergrain for sending quinoa for review.
