Recently on fb I mentioned that I recently re-discovered Quinoa, a grain-like seed that you can make into a pilaf or incorporate in a variety of dishes. It acts kind of like rice, but is much higher in protein, actually it's one of the most complete proteins in one food, particularly a non-animal product. So, recently my roommate has been eating quinoa and I decided to get some too to eat instead of more carby grains or bread and it's working. I love it and it's more nutritious and delicious. So, here are some of the quinoa ideas friends mentioned. I know I have some good recipes around here from my sister too, but I'll have to find them and post them later.
Another new find, or re-find, is almond butter. Better for you and actually much more tasty than pb. It's more pricey, but delicious in smoothies, on toast, in oatmeal,... a nice way to add protein and yumminess to a million things. And apparently it's not too hard to make. I'll write if I find an easy way to do that. I'm just a bit weary of what machine I have that I could use to ground almonds & where to find a good, fresh source that's not too pricey of almonds. But I'm on it... we'll see...
Quinoa Ideas from friends:
I've just recently discovered quinoa, too, and love it. I've been cooking it in finas hierbas bullion along with corn, onion, and sometimes garlic. Then add some feta cheese and use to stuff tomatoes (I incorporate the tomato pulp that I scoop out into the mixed quinoa, so as to not waste it). Adjust seasoning to taste. Top stuffed tomatoes with a bit of mozzarella, and into the oven at 175 C for 25 minutes or so. Yum!
One of our summer favorites is a cold salad of quinoa, black beans, bell peppers, tomatoes, cilantro and maybe feta, with a cumin and chile powder enhanced red wine vinaigrette (avocado is also good but then it sort of loses its stash in the fridge for leftovers all week status).
Oh in the winter quinoa topped with kale or chard (cooked with lots of garlic in a sort of saute/stem/braise method on the stovetop). Or just used as a faster cooking sub for brown rice.
You can also make tabbouleh with it. It's way yummy and better protein than couscous
