Cool Quinoa recipe

This recipe I pirated from my wellness website at work. Quinoa is a delicious little Incan grain taken from a reed. I would like to point out this recipe states quinoa contains "all eight essential amino acids" (amino acids you need to consume because your body does not make them). There are actually NINE essential amino acids and while quinoa contains all nine, it does not contain them in amounts that would make quinoa a complete protein. However, quinoa is still a delicious and nutritious food and incredibly versatile.

The Inca called quinoa the "mother grain," and North Americans are just beginning to explore its possibilities. The small, bead-shaped grains are high in protein and contain all eight essential amino acids. Look for quinoa at whole foods stores. If you like, add a little more sugar to the recipe to make a superb cold-weather dessert.

Takes Under 30 minutes
Makes 4 servings

INGREDIENTS
1 cup (7 oz/210 g) quinoa
2 cups (16 fl oz/480 ml) water
1 teaspoon natural cane sugar
1 pinch sea salt
1/3 cup (2 1/2 oz/75 g) dried cranberries
1/3 cup (2 1/2 oz/75 g) currants
1 tablespoons sliced almonds, toasted
1 1/2 cups (12 fl oz/360 ml) 1% vanilla soy milk, warmed



PREPARATION

1. Rinse quinoa very well in a fine-mesh sieve and let drain.
2. In a medium saucepan, combine water, sugar and salt. Bring to a boil, stirring to dissolve the sugar. Add the quinoa. Reduce the heat to medium, cover and simmer for 15 minutes. Remove the pan from the heat and let stand, covered, for 5 minutes more.
3. Gently toss the quinoa with the fruit and almonds. Serve with the warmed soy milk.

Source: Healthy Living Kitchens





NUTRITION BONUS
Contains at least 6.25 grams of soy protein per serving.





NUTRITIONAL INFO
PER SERVING
283 Calories
4.3g Fat
0.4g Saturated fat
8.0g Protein
55g Carbohydrate
4.0g Fiber
77mg Sodium