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How to fall in love with quinoa

Let's face it, certain foods take a while to warm to and, for some, quinoa falls firmly in that pack. It's a little earthy and a lot nutty, its texture fluffy like couscous but more al dente, and it's abundant with protein, iron and fibre. It's our pert opinion that the following recipes will turn quinoa haters into repeat eaters.

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Quinoa's protein content is high, in fact roughly equal to that of milk, due to a high concentration of amino acids. So adding it to foods you already love is a fast track to meeting your protein needs. If you're a fan of , depart France for South America, where this rustic is made with spinach, leek, dill, feta and eggs.
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Pile quinoa into flatbread as you would rice in a burrito. The result is mighty filling and the beauty is you can pair it with so many ingredients. Raw beetroot is a favourite as it comes off fresher than cooked, especially when combined with apple and goat's cheese. These come to us via .
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To make a more substantial meal outta soup, serve it with a garnish of quinoa spiced with za'atar, sumac and chilli. It gives the soup texture and an added warmth from the Middle Eastern spices. If you have leftover cooked quinoa in the fridge, this is a great way to use it up.
Butternut pumpkin and quinoa soup
Butternut pumpkin and quinoa soup Source: John Bek
This salad is just gagging to be served at your next dinner party. Quinoa comes in an assortment of colours – black, red, white, sometimes pink – which, if little else, adds that all-important quotient of pretty. Serve this on one large platter. Via
Winter leaf and apple salad with crispy quinoa and cider vinegar Dijon dressing
Source: Petrina Tinslay
With no sugar, cream or butter, this is a fab dessert that in many circles would qualify as healthy. It’s also gluten-free, using almond meal and quinoa in the crumble instead of flour. Try it and see why this makes sweet music in our mouths.
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In this South American , the grains are cooked "risotto-style", leaving you with a soft and creamy mouthfeel without the starchiness of rice. The addition of mixed mushrooms, parmesan and ground cumin results in a weeknight meal you'll want to cook on repeat.
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This too-easy recipe for proves quinoa truly is a chameleon. You might recognise it in porridge at pricey hipster cafes (see below), you've seen it in risotto 2.0 (see above), and now it's reinvented in a stack of spiced patties served with a dollop of creamy hummus. What next, quinoa? Via
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Indulgent yet entirely good for you, this bircher museli features quinoa, barley, plus plenty of other wholegrains, along with seeds, cinnamon and fresh fruit. This comes to us from author and wholefoods teacher . Man knows his breakfast foods.
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Looking for a festive holiday recovery recipe? Then this Mexican-inspired is it. The reliably nutty grain adds substance and makes use of leftover roast turkey to boot.
Turkey and quinoa salad with salsa rojo
Source: Benito Martin
Unbeknownst to some, quinoa seeds can be milled into a flour, which forms the basis of these simple yet scrumptious little . Via gluten-free goddess .
Cocoa sponge
Source: Harper Collins
You know you love it

(Also, quinoa is pronounced keen-wah. We probably should have said that earlier.)

 

More? For sure!



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SBS Food is a 24/7 foodie channel for all Australians, with a focus on simple, authentic and everyday food inspiration from cultures everywhere. NSW stream only. Read more about SBS Food
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SBS Food is a 24/7 foodie channel for all Australians, with a focus on simple, authentic and everyday food inspiration from cultures everywhere. NSW stream only.
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3 min read
Published 5 September 2014 12:12pm
Updated 11 September 2014 10:14am
By SBS Food bite-sized
Source: SBS

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