Organic Quinoa

Quinoa is a healthy grain that was used by the Incan Warriors in the West Andes of South America thousands of years ago. It is rich in fiber, protein, vitamins A, E and B, all of which are necessary to keep you active and alert. Quinoa is very rich in Lysine an essential amino-acid. Amino acids are needed to build blocks of protein. Lysine is not manufactured by the body. There are a lot of fruits and vegetables that has lysine in them but research shows that Quinoa has the highest producer of lysine among all other fruits, grains and vegetables.

Quinoa Salad is one of the best recipes that you can make out of the Quinoa grain. Since Quinoa’s outer layer is covered with a waxy material called saponin which has a bitter taste, it is best to wash it thoroughly in running water. However, a Quinoa Salad is surprisingly deliciously tasty with a nutty flavor. It is easy to make and you can be creative and add different ingredients to it.

In this article, I have included some recipes that may help you in bringing to your table one of the most nutritious foods on the earth.

Basic Quinoa Salad

1/2 cup quinoa
1/2 cup water
1/2 cup apple juice
1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
1/8 teaspoon ground cloves
1 Red Delicious apple, cored and chopped
2 teaspoons lemon juice
1/2 cup raisins
1 cup chopped celery

In a medium covered saucepan, bring water, apple juice and spices to a boil. Add quinoa. Return to a boil and cook over low heat for 15 minutes. Remove from heat and cool. When chilled, add apple tossed with lemon juice, raisins and celery.

Source: www.purcellmountainfarms.com

Vegan Quinoa Salad

4 cups vegetable broth
1 ½ cups raw whole grain Quinoa
1 cucumber, sliced
1 red or yellow bell pepper, diced
½ cup lightly steamed broccoli florets
2 tomatoes, chopped
¼ cup olive oil
1/3 cup lemon juice
2 cloves garlic, minced
Dash salt and pepper, to taste (sea salt tastes best)

Cook quinoa in a vegetable broth until it fluffs up, about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. While quinoa is cooking, whisk together lemon juice, olive oil, garlic cloves and salt and pepper. When quinoa is finished cooking, allow to cool slightly then, toss with vegetables and lemon juice mix, stirring to combine well. Add more salt and pepper to taste, and chill before serving.

Source: http://vegetarian.about.com/od/soupssalads/r/quinoasalad.htm

Greek Quinoa Salad Recipe

3-4 cups water or vegetable broth
1 1/2 cups Quinoa, uncooked
1/4 cup apple cider vinegar (you may use any flavor you prefer)
2 cloves garlic, minced
juice from one lemon
3 tbsp olive oil
1/2 cup kalamata olives, sliced if desired
1/3 cup fresh parsley, chopped
1/3 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
1 red onion, diced
1 cup cherry tomatoes, sliced in half
1/2 cup chopped artichoke hearts (optional)
salt and pepper to taste
1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese

In a medium-large saucepan, cook the quinoa in vegetable broth for 15-20 minutes, until tender, stirring occasionally. Allow to cool. In a small bowl, whisk together the vinegar, lemon juice, garlic, and olive oil. Gently toss the quinoa together with the remaining ingredients, except feta. Pour the olive oil mixture over the quinoa. Add more salt and pepper to taste and gently stir in the feta cheese. You may also add any additional vegetables that you like, such as lightly steamed broccoli, snap peas or diced bell pepper.

Source: http://vegetarian.about.com/od/vegetarianandvegansalads/

Eating healthy vegetable salads every day can help you in regulating your body’s metabolism. It cleanses your digestive tract and makes you feel fresh and cleansed around the clock. Research about Quinoa salads have shown that it also aids in your desire to lose pounds. For best results, Quinoa Salad is best partnered with a change of lifestyle to achieve the disease-free and healthy body you have been longing to have.