2/5/09

FITNESS FRIDAY: SOMETHING NEW


This week's assignment was to try something new. At first I couldn't think of anything, but then Brenda suggested a new healthy recipe. This motivated me to check out quinoa, since I've been hearing so much lately about how healthy it is.

What I discovered, much to my surprise, is that quinoa is gluten free, and it's not a grain at all. It's actually a tiny berry that contains all nine essential amino acids, and is therefore classified as a complete protein. It is also a great source of fiber, iron, and magnesium. So off to the grocery store I went, and was able to find a package of it in the health food section.

My recipe is sort of improvised, but I'll call it Quinoa with Sauteed Onions and Greens.

First I rinsed and boiled the quinoa as per the instructions on the package. It doesn't take very long to cook, but what did take forever was trying to pick out all the little black berries that need to be removed before cooking. Do any of you readers use quinoa and know of a quick way to do that?

Next I sauteed a diced purple onion and some garlic in olive oil, and when the onion was really limp, and the garlic was starting to brown, I added leafy greens (a combination of chopped collards and kale). Then I covered the skillet, turned down the heat, and continued cooking until they turned a bright green.

Last step was to stir in the already cooked quinoa, take a picture for this post, and enjoy. It actually tasted pretty good. The quinoa has a bit of a crunch to it, and a slightly nutty flavor, and now that I know how healthy it is, I think I'll look up some other quinoa recipes to try.

11 comments:

  1. You are braver than I am. xoxo

    Renee

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  2. Never had quinoa before. It's great that you tried something new.

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  3. Great idea! I think I'll try some quinoa while my husband's out of town for the next two weeks - good time to try new menu options.

    I noticed in your sidebar that you recently listend to Enchanted April. I sooo very much love that story!! I could listen to or watch it over and over.

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  4. I'd never heard of that one either! It sounds really healthy. Good job trying out something new!

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  5. My 20 year old step-daughter just started a gluten free diet four days ago. I'll have to mention this to her. Thanks!

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  6. This is not Lana, but her husband Mike. I tried quinoa for the first time a couple of months ago. Not as easy to find in Oz as it seems to be in the US. And certainly not as ever present as in South America. Great stuff - I prefer the white to the red. I find it is a great alternative not only to rice, but also to cous cous, of which I am a big fan (pre gluten free of course...) Keep enjoying!

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  7. I could try that, but I love trying new things!

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  8. I had read somthing about quinoa and was going to try it but forgot about it. I might try your recipe but use spinach instead.

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  9. I love the pictures of your Grandkids in your smile box... Way to go trying something new

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  10. Good evening lady, hope you and the grandchildren are all doing well.

    Because your dream is of being lost when you are really close to your home, it would indicate that because situations can always be changing you may be feeling worried and insecure about things that a home usually represents, like family and security. Almost boils down to that old saying of 'I can't see the forest for the trees.' Too many people may be looking to you to fix things for them. In other words, find them.

    If any of this rings true, remind yourself to save energy for yourself.

    Who knows, that is just what it means to me. xooxo

    Love Renee

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  11. Hi
    You asked me what digestive cookies are. I can't really describe them. It is a plain cookie that has wheat bran in it, which gives it a crumbly texture. I like the ones that have chocolate in the top. They are a favorite cookie in Canada, which is where I am from. I noticed you canbuy them on ebay!
    Hugs, Rhondi

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