Orange and Walnut Quinoa

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Yields: 4 servings

Ingredients:
1 1/2 cups dry-roasted quinoa
2 navel oranges, zested
1/2 cup chopped toasted walnuts
2 1/2 cups veggie broth
2 tablespoons flat leaf parsley, chopped
1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil

Directions:
1. Rinse quinoa in a fine mesh strainer.
2. Combine broth, oil and quinoa, bring to a boil.
3. Cover and lower heat to low, cooking for 12 minutes.
4. Remove from heat and let stand for 5 minutes.
5. Fluff with a fork and toss in orange zest, parsley and toasted walnuts.

Variations:
Slice zested oranges and serve them after dinner

What Is Quinoa?

Quinoa (pronounced KEEN-wah) has the highest nutritional profile and cooks the fastest of all grains. It is an extremely high energy grain and has been grown and consumed for about 8,000 years on the high plains of the Andes Mountains in South America. The Incas were able to run such long distances at such a high altitude because of this powerful grain.

Characteristics

• Contains all eight amino acids to make it a complete protein
• Has a protein content equal to milk
• High in B vitamins, iron, zinc, potassium, calcium, and vitamin E
• Gluten-free; easy to digest
• Ideal food for endurance
• Strengthens the kidneys, heart, and lungs

Uses

When quinoa is cooked, the outer germ surrounding the seed breaks open to form a crunchy coil, while the inner grain becomes soft and translucent. This double texture makes it delicious, versatile, and fun to eat. To save time, cook a lot of quinoa at once, and eat it as leftovers. Quinoa can be reheated with a splash of soy or nut milk for breakfast porridge; you can add dried fruit, nuts, and cinnamon for a sweet treat. Add finely chopped raw vegetables and dressing for a cooling salad, or add chopped, cooked, root vegetables for a warming side dish. Store dry, uncooked quinoa in a cool, dry, dark place in a tightly closed glass jar for up to one year.

Preparation
Before cooking, quinoa must be rinsed to remove the toxic (but naturally occurring) bitter coating, called saponin. Saponin, when removed from quinoa, produces a soapy solution in water. Quinoa is rinsed before it is packaged and sold, but it is best to rinse again at home before use.  Place quinoa in a grain strainer and rinse thoroughly with water.