Splendid Superfood

Even though it's packed with nutrients and people have been eating it for thousands of years (the Incas considered it sacred, calling it chisaya mama, or mother of all grains), quinoa is staggeringly less popular than other cookable grains. It's light and fluffy, mild, if a bit nutty, and chock-full of things that are good for you, like protein, manganese, magnesium, iron, copper and phosphorus.

Last night I cooked up a pot and split it up into two recipes. First things first, here's how to cook it:

How to Cook Quinoa
1 c quinoa
1.5 c water
Dash of salt

Soak quinoa in hot water for a few minutes, then rinse and strain. Bring water to a boil, put the quinoa in, then simmer for 15 minutes. Remove from heat and allow to sit five minutes with the lid on.

The first recipe is a cold salad, which makes a healthy, filling take-to-work lunch. Use as much or as few veggies as you want, and use what you like! In addition to the ingredients I used below, Savvyvegetarian.com recommends snow peas, shell peas, celery, green beans, scallions, raisins, dried apricots, and minced jalapeno pepper.
Easy Vegan Quinoa Salad
recipe adapted from savvyvegetarian.com

• 1 cup quinoa
• 1 1/2 cups cold water
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 2 carrots, sliced
• 1/2 green pepper, sliced
• 1 large tomato, diced
  
• 1 cucumber, peeled and diced
• 1/2 red onion, diced
  
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley, cilantro, or basil (I used 1 tsp dried basil and 1 tsp dried oregano instead)
  
• 1/2 cup toasted cashews (or chopped walnuts, or sunflower seeds)
• Handful of dried cranberries
• Small container of pitted kalamata olives, sliced

Dressing:

• The juice of one lemon
  
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 1/2 tsp salt
• Pinch of black pepper
  
• Pinch of garlic powder 

Directions

1. Cook quinoa according to directions above. Set aside to cool.
2. Steam the carrots and green pepper for 5 minutes.
3. Chop the tomatoes, herbs and cucumber.
4. Combine quinoa, veggies, nuts, berries, herbs, and olives in a large bowl.
5. Blend dressing ingredients with a whisk, then pour over the quinoa mixture.
6. Cover and chill.

The second recipe is a great way to sneak quinoa and fresh veggies into a classic dish. Pair the meatballs with pasta and marinara sauce—or make a meatball sub!

Beef and Quinoa Meatballs
recipe from wholefoods.com

• Nonstick cooking spray
• 1 pound lean ground beef (I used locally farmed grass-fed beef, and you should too!)
  
• 3/4 cup cooked quinoa
• 1/4 cup finely chopped onions
• 1/4 cup grated carrots
• 1/4 cup grated zucchini
• 2 tablespoons ketchup
• 1 tablespoon chopped garlic
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1/2 teaspoon pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 egg
  

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 500°F. 
2. Line a large baking sheet with foil then grease with cooking spray; set aside.
3. In a large bowl, mix all the ingredients until well combined. 
4. Shape beef mixture into balls and transfer to prepared baking sheet. Roast until cooked through and golden brown, 12 to 15 minutes.