Alternative Menu: Meet Quinoa

Quinoa: the Super Grain

Quinoa is a grain with great nutritional value. Originally from Peru, it has been a staple of the Andean diet since the time of the Incas. It is becoming increasingly popular elsewhere – and for good reasons.

Quinoa is a powerhouse of nutrition, with 12 to 18% protein content, plenty of B vitamins and E, high levels of Lysine (the amino acid that helps heal cold sores), and many minerals.

It's also gluten free, versatile and affordable. It can be used as cereal, a rice or pasta substitute and even in baking. You can find it in any bulk store, and some supermarkets carry it in easy-to-prepare packages.

Be adventurous and good to your body – make Quinoa part of your diet!

Here is one way to cook it:

Basic Quinoa Recipe - Ingredients:

· 1 cup quinoa

· 1 1/2 cups cold water

· Optional: 1/2 tsp salt

1. Soak the quinoa for 15 min in the cooking pot. If you don't have time for a longer soaking, use hot water and soak for five minutes

2. To Rinse: Stir the quinoa with your hand, and carefully pour off the rinsing water, using a fine mesh strainer at the last

3. Drain quinoa well in the strainer, transfer to the cooking pot, add 1 1/2 cups water & 1/2 tsp salt if desired. Bring to a boil, cover with a tight fitting lid, and turn the heat down to simmer. Cook for 15 minutes

4. Remove quinoa from heat and allow to sit five minutes with the lid on/Fluff quinoa gently with a fork and serve.

5. You can mix it with vegetables, beans, tofu or any other ingredients you would use with pasta or rice.