What is quinoa?

What is quinoa? What are some good recipes? Where can I buy it? How expensive is it? Is it actually good for you or low-cal?


I'd really like to know a little bit more about quinoa. Please post your replies! :)
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Replies

  • Bracciano
    Bracciano Posts: 85 Member
    You can really buy it anywhere. It's a grain, a "complete protein" because it has all 8 essential ammino acids. Now as far as recipes go, really it's all up to what kind of food you like. I mix mine with black beans, chopped tomatos, cilantro, lime, cumin and red pepper. It's a bit more costly than rice, and it's AWESOME for your.
  • purplecharm
    purplecharm Posts: 446 Member
    I had never heard of it until recently. I see it everywhere now. I hate to seem ignorant but is it a food that has been around but was recently made popular?
  • I was never familiar with it. In my family, it is either rice or pasta. There isn't really an in between. I really want to start eating it. That recipe sounds great.
    Thanks :)
  • atrebor18
    atrebor18 Posts: 235 Member
    I basically replace all my rice and pasta dishes with quinoa or other healthy grains like lentils and barley now. Its pretty bland so it works in any style of dish from my experience.
  • bassejm0
    bassejm0 Posts: 25 Member
    Something I recently learned that may be helpful- it's not pronounced qui-noah. It's pronounced keen-wah. I had no idea and didn't think that was a really intuitive pronunciation.
  • Quinoa is a South American grain that has been popularized recently by health food trends. It is popular among vegans and vegetarians because of its high protein content. It is also *quite* high in carbohydrates, so keep that in mind if you're on a low-carb or keto diet. Here's the link for quinoa's nutrition facts. Happy Eating! http://nutritiondata.self.com/facts/cereal-grains-and-pasta/10352/2
  • garlic7girl
    garlic7girl Posts: 2,236 Member
    What is quinoa? What are some good recipes? Where can I buy it? How expensive is it? Is it actually good for you or low-cal?

    I'd really like to know a little bit more about quinoa. Please post your replies! :)

    Quinoa is deliciousness! I had some yesterday as a hot cereal with milk and berries and cinnamon.
  • HurricaneElaine
    HurricaneElaine Posts: 984 Member
    I bought a rather large bag of quinoa a few weeks ago and still haven't used it. I have vegetarian chili in mind for supper tonight - I think I'll cook up some quinoa and mix it into the chili. I might not need those chicken thighs after all.
  • bradleybt
    bradleybt Posts: 5 Member
    What is quinoa? What are some good recipes? Where can I buy it? How expensive is it? Is it actually good for you or low-cal?


    I'd really like to know a little bit more about quinoa. Please post your replies! :)

    Quinoa is a carb.
  • binknbaby
    binknbaby Posts: 207 Member
    Contrary to popular belief, quinoa is a SEED, not a grain, which is why it has an amazing protein-to-carb ratio, and also why it is totally fine for grain-sensitive people to eat.

    http://www.grainfreeliving.com/blog/118-is-quinoa-a-seed-or-a-grain

    You can cook it *like* a grain and use it *in place* of grains--like as a hot "cereal", rice pilaf-style, and it's used in some pastas.
  • Kiwi_09
    Kiwi_09 Posts: 65
    You can use it in baking too... I've made bread with it and I've seen recipes to put it in cookies!
    I've also added it to wraps, you can make it into patties for veggi burgers. It's quite versatile.
  • HuwaydaS
    HuwaydaS Posts: 116
    Its like a grain, yum
  • Softrbreeze
    Softrbreeze Posts: 156 Member
    Quinoa is a seed high in protein and with lots of amino acids that our bodies need. However, the demand for quinoa has caused such a increase in price in the South American countries where it grows, that the local people who have depended on it for nutrition for hundreds if not thousands of years can no longer afford it. Honestly, it is just the new "fad" food. There are lots of other seeds and grains that are healthy for you. Just like oatmeal, a lot of people have difficulty with the texture of quinoa. The flavor itself is bland- you have to dress it up just like with oatmeal. Just stick with oats, that's my advice. Eat a well-balanced diet with as little animal products as possible. Read about The China Study for reference, if you haven't already. Diminish the suffering in the world- every choice you make has an impact somewhere, whether for good or for bad.
  • It's a good substitute for rice or pasta, my wife made mac & cheese with it it was actually pretty good, and a little of it goes a long way, just one cup makes a lot and it's very filling.
  • Crystal_Pistol
    Crystal_Pistol Posts: 750 Member
    It's like tiny little rubber balls and is only edible as a filler in something like meatloaf.
  • AngieSchaible
    AngieSchaible Posts: 84 Member
    This is an interesting topic because I have this strange grain but I don't have a clue how to use it lol
  • My husband has celiac disease so we've been eating Quinoa for a while now as an alternative to wheat. The pasta is delicious...it most resembles wheat pasta out of all the other alternatives. You can also buy Quinoa flakes which makes a porridge similar in texture and taste to cream of wheat. I actually give that to my baby a lot instead of rice cereal. Then there is Quinoa in it's natural state which is similar in texture to Cous Cous. Really any preparation with cous cous would also work with Quinoa. I will basically just throw anything in it...chick peas, spinach, fetta, tomatoes, etc. I've also done a yummy side with cranberries, toasted almonds, green onions and a garlic dressing
  • I have been looking for it recently and have not found it in Publix. I was thinking I'll have to check out a Whole Foods type store.
  • What is quinoa? What are some good recipes? Where can I buy it? How expensive is it? Is it actually good for you or low-cal?


    I'd really like to know a little bit more about quinoa. Please post your replies! :)

    pronounced /Keen-whaa' it's a grain much like cous cous or bulgar wheat. It doesnt have much of a flavour, but it does absorb things that you put with it, so lots of lovely hearbs, spices, vinegar, citrus juices.....it's good for you.
  • Quinoa is a seed high in protein and with lots of amino acids that our bodies need. However, the demand for quinoa has caused such a increase in price in the South American countries where it grows, that the local people who have depended on it for nutrition for hundreds if not thousands of years can no longer afford it. Honestly, it is just the new "fad" food. There are lots of other seeds and grains that are healthy for you. Just like oatmeal, a lot of people have difficulty with the texture of quinoa. The flavor itself is bland- you have to dress it up just like with oatmeal. Just stick with oats, that's my advice. Eat a well-balanced diet with as little animal products as possible. Read about The China Study for reference, if you haven't already. Diminish the suffering in the world- every choice you make has an impact somewhere, whether for good or for bad.

    I can see how quinoa is like oats by it self it is a bit bland but the texture isn't much different then oatmeal, and I think you can do a lot more with quinoa, and it's got the protein and amino acids, I prefer quinoa to oats. And how are you going to get a well-balanced diet with very little animal products? What's wrong with animal products?
  • TheConsciousFoody
    TheConsciousFoody Posts: 607 Member
    Its pretty awesome. I dont eat the red quinoa though. You can make so much with it....you can make desserts with it...breakfast with it and dinner. The other night I made a quinoa risotto with feta cheese and shredded carrots.

    There are so many recipes out there so you should browse the net. It has carbs but its a good carb.
  • It's like tiny little rubber balls and is only edible as a filler in something like meatloaf.

    This is false, you can use in a thousand different was, it is not only edible as a filler.
  • trijoe
    trijoe Posts: 729 Member
    What is quinoa? What are some good recipes? Where can I buy it? How expensive is it? Is it actually good for you or low-cal?


    I'd really like to know a little bit more about quinoa. Please post your replies! :)

    Quinoa is a carb.

    You really missed the boat with that answer. Quinoa is becoming popular because yes it is a grain, but it is also a complete protein. So much more than just a carb.

    Quinoa, like rice, takes some cooking. Basically, like rice, you cook it 2 to 1. 2 parts of liquid to 1 part quinoa (or, to be more specific, 1C quinoa with 2C water or chicken stock). It has a mild, nutty flavor, similar to brown rice. It also has these weird little rings that come off as it cooks. It looks odd, but that's what happens. If you overcook it it turns to mush. So you want to make sure you cook it just long enough but not too long.

    I like to cook mine in the oven. I brown the grains on the stovetop in a little butter then add the liquid, bring that to a boil, cover, and stick in the oven. I check it every 5-10 minutes to see if the liquid has been absorbed into the grain. It usually takes about as long to cook as white rice. Once all the liquid is gone, it's good eating time!

    Quinoa is very versatile and can be used pretty much as a substitute for rice, or in any way rice was used. It makes a spectacular salad. EX: Cook and cool. Then mix with vinaigrette, orange juice, some dried fruit, chicken, and parsley. SO GOOD! It also makes good quinoa tabouleh. Mix cooled quinoa, lemon juice, olive oil, parsley. Heaven.

    I hope this helps.
    Enjoy!
  • primal7
    primal7 Posts: 151 Member
    It is a seed not a grain. It is high in protein and Carbs.
    It is great to use as a replacement flour if you are Gluten sensitive.
    You should be able to buy the whole seeds or flour at your local store or health food store.
    Here is a web site for alternative flours
    http://glutenfreegirl.com/how-to-make-a-gluten-free-all-purpose-flour-mix/
    Hope this helps. :wink:
  • kerriberry74
    kerriberry74 Posts: 62 Member
    I cooked up some quinoa earlier this week. I make it like 'Spanish rice'. I drain a can of tomatos- the spicy kind-, mixing the juice and water to get the correct amount of liquid, then throw everything in the pot and just cook it like rice. Little salt, some pepper, a sprinkle of cheese on top... yummy.

    The only thing to remember with quinoa is to rinse it well before cooking. I made that mistake once and it had a tinge of bitter to it. Otherwise, it's pretty good stuff!
  • TheConsciousFoody
    TheConsciousFoody Posts: 607 Member
    I cooked up some quinoa earlier this week. I make it like 'Spanish rice'. I drain a can of tomatos- the spicy kind-, mixing the juice and water to get the correct amount of liquid, then throw everything in the pot and just cook it like rice. Little salt, some pepper, a sprinkle of cheese on top... yummy.

    The only thing to remember with quinoa is to rinse it well before cooking. I made that mistake once and it had a tinge of bitter to it. Otherwise, it's pretty good stuff!

    What she said! Rinse the quinoa or it has a funky taste.
  • purplecharm
    purplecharm Posts: 446 Member
    Quinoa is a seed high in protein and with lots of amino acids that our bodies need. However, the demand for quinoa has caused such a increase in price in the South American countries where it grows, that the local people who have depended on it for nutrition for hundreds if not thousands of years can no longer afford it. Honestly, it is just the new "fad" food. There are lots of other seeds and grains that are healthy for you. Just like oatmeal, a lot of people have difficulty with the texture of quinoa. The flavor itself is bland- you have to dress it up just like with oatmeal. Just stick with oats, that's my advice. Eat a well-balanced diet with as little animal products as possible. Read about The China Study for reference, if you haven't already. Diminish the suffering in the world- every choice you make has an impact somewhere, whether for good or for bad.

    I kind of suspected that it was a "fad" food. I tried some from the salad bar at Whole Foods and I was not impressed. Just as you stated, it was bland like oatmeal, which I am not a fan of either because of the blandness.
  • YoungDoc2B
    YoungDoc2B Posts: 1,593 Member
    Something I recently learned that may be helpful- it's not pronounced qui-noah. It's pronounced keen-wah. I had no idea and didn't think that was a really intuitive pronunciation.

    I heard you could pronounce it both ways, but keen-wah is preferred over the former...?
  • TheConsciousFoody
    TheConsciousFoody Posts: 607 Member
    Quinoa is a seed high in protein and with lots of amino acids that our bodies need. However, the demand for quinoa has caused such a increase in price in the South American countries where it grows, that the local people who have depended on it for nutrition for hundreds if not thousands of years can no longer afford it. Honestly, it is just the new "fad" food. There are lots of other seeds and grains that are healthy for you. Just like oatmeal, a lot of people have difficulty with the texture of quinoa. The flavor itself is bland- you have to dress it up just like with oatmeal. Just stick with oats, that's my advice. Eat a well-balanced diet with as little animal products as possible. Read about The China Study for reference, if you haven't already. Diminish the suffering in the world- every choice you make has an impact somewhere, whether for good or for bad.

    Ha. I've also read articles saying it has HELPED quinoa farmers thrive because of the new demand. Plus, it is only bland if you suck at cooking.

    P.s I hunt deer, elk, and duck and use my quinoa with it. Tasty!
  • BinaryPulsar
    BinaryPulsar Posts: 8,927 Member
    Quinoa is not a fad food. Lol, a fad food. It's been around for a long time. I think it is delicious. I prefer it to other alternatives because of the tastiness of it. I also like that it has a good amount of protein in it. If you don't like it, fine, but don't dismiss a tasty food that has good protein just because someone called it a fad food (whatever that means).