Back to Basics: Quinoa

Quinoa.  A mysterious food that has recently gained popularity and is becoming more common.  Let’s debunk some of the mystery surrounding this  so called Superfood.  Not only is quinoa very simple to make, it is both nutritious and delicious! It pairs well with just about anything- it is often prepared like rice and can often be used as a substitution for rice.  First, let’s cover the basics.  

Pronunciation: Quinoa: Kin-wa. 
What is it? Quinoa is a seed.  
Nutrition: Quinoa contains calcium, phosphorus, iron, fiber, magnesium. It is also considered a good source of protein. 
Where to find quinoa: Quinoa can now be found in most large grocery stores. Check by the rice and grain section, if all else fails check the natural/organic food section.  It can be purchased in pre-packaged amounts or sometimes in bulk.  (Like rice)

How to make quinoa:

Ingredients:
1 cup dry quinoa
2 cups water

1. Rinse the quinoa under cold water.  (otherwise it gets too mushy when prepared)
2. Add quinoa and water to small sauce pan, uncovered bring to a boil.
3. Reduce to a low simmer, cover and allow to simmer for 15-20 minutes (or until most of the water has been absorbed).
4. Remove from heat, “fluff” with a fork and allow to sit for 5-10 minutes before serving.

Serving suggestions and variations:

• Substitute veggie or chicken stock for water
• Substitute lite coconut milk for water
• Add spices or cooked veggies to quinoa before cooking
• Add dried fruit to quinoa before cooking

Back to Basics: Bell Peppers

I was chopping up vegetables for dinner and it occurred to me that there are some vegetables that I always struggle to cut efficiently.  Bell peppers were the culprit this time.  Despite the best efforts of both my parents (I know they tried to teach this to me) I could not recall the best way to cut up a pepper.  I did a little research and settled on this method.  Give it a try and see what you think!

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Back to Basics: Bell Peppers

1. Wash your peppers.
2. Slice the stem end off of your pepper so you remove the stem and the crown of the vegetable.
3. Use your fingers to scoop out and remove the heart of the pepper with the seeds, if necessary use a knife.
4. Cut your pepper in half.
5. Slice as desired.

Back to Basics: Brown Basmati Rice

Yes, even I forget how to make some of the basics in the kitchen once in a while.  For example, not for the life of me can I recall how to make rice without referring to the directions.  What do you do when there are no directions on the package or you buy in bulk? PANIC!  Such a panic usually results in abandoning the offending package or ingredient to the back of the cabinet.  Well, today I’m determined to prevent that from happening.  I am committed to cooking that rice once and for all!  

Back to Basics: Brown Basmati Rice

Ingredients:

Brown Basmati Rice

1 cup brown basmati rice (dry)
1 ½ cups water
olive oil 

1. In the pot you use to make the rice, add enough olive oil to cover the bottom of the pan, heat. 
2. Add the rice to the pot, on medium-high heat, sauté until the rice begins to “pop” or brown.
3. Add the water to the pot, bring to a boil.
4. Cover, turn heat down to low, allow to simmer for 25 minutes.  Without peeking- remove from heat and allow rice to sit for 5 minutes.
5. Serve immediately.