Quinoa

By Cynthia Lair

Quinoa (pronounced KEEN-wah) is a grain from the Andes Mountains of South America, where it was once a staple food of the Incas. It has a delicious light, nutty flavor. When cooked, the grains open up to form tiny spirals. Quinoa has a better protein value than most grains and is perfect for those who need more protein, such as pregnant or nursing mothers.

1 cup quinoa

pinch sea salt

1 3/4 cups water

Rinse quinoa well with water and drain. Place rinsed quinoa, salt, and water in a 2-quart pan. Bring to a boil, reduce heat to very low, cover, and let simmer 15–20 minutes, until all the water is absorbed. Fluff with a fork before serving.

Preparation time: 20-25 minutes
Makes 2 1/2-3 cups