Quinoa is one of the most popular health foods in the world, and for good reason — actually, for many good reasons. It’s an excellent substitute for rice, buckwheat, or any other carbohydrate on your plate, and it’s one of the few plant-based foods that contains all nine essential amino acids. Being naturally gluten-free, quinoa suits a wide range of diets and, thanks to its high protein content, it’s a favorite among athletes.
It’s also loaded with important minerals — magnesium, phosphorus, folate, iron, zinc, and many more. Compared to most grains, quinoa is much higher in fiber and has a low glycemic index. And if that wasn’t enough, it’s packed with antioxidants that help fight free radicals and may prevent a long list of diseases (including cancer). So yes, there are plenty of reasons why quinoa deserves a spot in your kitchen!
Technically, quinoa is a seed, though it’s cooked much like a grain. The most important step in preparing it is rinsing — this removes most of its naturally bitter taste.
So, grab a pot, cook some quinoa, and let the health benefits roll in!
Quinoa Bowl with Salted Peanuts and Spinach
Ingredients
Preparation
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Rinse the quinoa thoroughly in a fine sieve under cold running water. Place the quinoa in a pot and add 600 ml of water. Bring to a boil, then cover with a lid and simmer for about 15 minutes over low heat, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat. Roughly crush the peanuts in a food processor.
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Wash and chop the spinach. Toast the crushed peanuts in a hot pan for a couple of minutes. Add the spinach and cook briefly until wilted. Combine the peanut-spinach mixture with the cooked quinoa and stir well.
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Season with salt and serve immediately.
