Morning Quinoa

Quinoa was first domesticated by the Incas thousands of years ago, and although it’s thought of as a grain, it’s actually a leafy green vegetable like spinach that’s cultivated for its seeds. It’s a great source of plant protein (one cup has about 8 grams) and is easily digestible and gluten-free. It has a slightly nutty taste, similar to brown rice. This protein-packed nutritional powerhouse is also high in magnesium, phosphorus, and iron. Start your day on the right note and enjoy the benefits of a steady flow of energy.

SERVES 4 TO 6

Ingredients:

1 cup quinoa

2 cups water

¼ cup diced yellow squash

¼ cup thinly sliced carrot rounds

¼ cup raisins

¼ cup chopped walnuts

¼ cup whole or ground sesame seeds

¼ cup coconut milk, almond milk, or hemp milk

Sprinkle of cinnamon

Method:

HOW TO COOK THE QUINOA: In a fine-mesh strainer, rinse the quinoa well with cool water until the water runs clear. This will remove the outer coating, which can give it a bitter taste. In a saucepan, bring the water to a boil over medium-high heat. Add the quinoa, reduce the heat, and bring the mixture to a light boil for 5 minutes, and then simmer, covered, for an additional 15 minutes. Remove from the heat and let stand for 5 minutes, covered. After 5 minutes, remove the lid and fluff the quinoa gently with a fork.

FOR THIS RECIPE, when the quinoa first starts to simmer, stir in the squash, carrots, raisins, walnuts, and sesame seeds (or other nuts, seeds, and dried fruit). Add the plant-based milk after cooking, to achieve the desired consistency. Sprinkle with cinnamon.

Recipe by Elise Museles of Kale and Chocolate. First appeared in Gutbliss (Penguin 2013).