Blendergrl's Weight Loss Tracker

Sunday, January 17, 2010

Quinoa Quickie

Day six tracking and completely on plan (calories, clean food only, exercise at least 30 minutes) and it is hard to remember why I have been struggling for the past six months. I really wish someone would figure out why my motivation turns off and on so randomly. I will just make the most of this momentum.. it feels like this will last awhile!

Today was a meatless day for me and by dinner time my body was crying out for protein. I decided to cook up some quinoa.

Quinoa (pronounced /ˈkiːnoʊ.ə/ or /kwɨˈnoʊ.ə/, Spanish quinua, from Quechua kinwa), a species of goosefoot (Chenopodium), is a grain-like crop grown primarily for its edible seeds. It is a pseudocereal rather than a true cereal, or grain, as it is not a grass. As a chenopod, quinoa is closely related to species such as beets, spinach and tumbleweeds. Its leaves are also eaten as a leaf vegetable, much like amaranth, but the commercial availability of quinoa greens is currently limited.

Until recently I believed quinoa was a grain, but actually it is a seed from a grain - making it not only a great complx carb but also a fantastic source of protein. I love how versatile it is for taking on flavours and I love that I can cook it in my rice cooker!!! Tonight I made up a new dish - quinoa with roasted butternut squash and wilted spinach. I used cumin and nonya (an Indonesian spice blend) to perk it up. It was delicious and so filling. I ate 3 hours ago and am not feeling the evening munchies that usually hit before bed. Here is a picture of my creation.


Unknown said...

I love quinoa! I made a sweet and sour version that I really loved. Yours sounds tasty with the squash! YUM! :)