Quinoa is an alternative grain. Originally from the Andes, it has an interesting taste and shape and is quite healthy. According to some sites I’ve seen, it is a complete protein. More on quinoa.
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup quinoa
- 14 oz can of kidney beans (undrained)
- 15 oz can diced tomatoes (undrained)
- 2 cups of water
- Rinse water
Directions:
- Rinse quinoa once, discarding the rinse water (this helps remove residual saponin–if your quinoa is unprocessed (ie you grew it yourself), you’ll need to take more stringent measures to remove the saponin).
- Add all ingredients into pot.
- Heat on medium for 20 minutes (or so) until quinoa tails come out. (I (accidentally) burnt my quinoa a bit, which lent a nice smokey flavor to the dish.)
This recipe serves 2-3 as a side dish.
Bacon Is Good // Jan 3, 2008 at 3:42 pm
What is saponin? Would it be bad if I didn’t rinse my quinoa that well…. like if I’m lazy ;)
Mixed Greens // Jan 3, 2008 at 5:37 pm
Saponin is an unpleasant tasting coating on quinoa. Most quinoa you buy have it removed via industrial processes. I’ve definitely cooked quinoa purchased in the bulk aisle without rinsing it, and it tasted fine. I’d also suggest trying different flavors of diced tomatoes: http://www.muirglen.com/products/product_detail.aspx?cat=3&upc=7-25342-26071-3
Mixed Greens // Jan 7, 2008 at 1:15 pm
FYI, if you make this the way that I outlined in the recipe, it’s going to be a bit soupy when you serve it (though by the next day, it won’t be). I’ve made it with 1 1/2 cups of water as well, and next time I’ll try it with just 1 cup of water.