Quinoa

These Quinoa Recipes are easy, healthy, plant-based recipes full of goodness and easy to make.

What Is Quinoa?

Quinoa is a flowering plant from South America where it grows on the slopes of the Andes.

It has been used as food for several thousand years in Peru and Bolivia.

The seeds of quinoa are gains are rich in macronutrients and micronutrients, and it’s one of the complete protein sources which means it contains all the essential amino acids.

Quinoa Nutrition

Quinoa is a grain rich in many nutrients, 100 grams of cooked Quinoa contains:

• 21 grams of carbs
• including 2.8 grams of fiber
• 1.9 grams of fat
• 4.4 grams of protein – including all 9 essential amino acids.

It also contains a lot of micronutrients:

• Vitamin B1 (Thiamine): 9% of Daily Value (DV)
• Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin): 9% of DV
• Vitamin B3 (Niacin): 3% of DV
• Vitamin B6: 9% of DV
• Vitamin B9 (Folate): 11% of DB
• Choline: 5% of DV
• Vitamin E: 4% of DV
• Calcium: 2% of DV
• Copper: 10% of DV
• Iron: 11% of DV
• Magnesium: 18% of DV
• Manganese: 30% of DV
• Phosphorus: 22% of DV
• Potassium: 4% of DV
• Zinc: 11% of DV

Quinoa Health Benefits

The rich nutritional profile of quinoa makes it a great ingredient that provides many potential health benefits.

• It may reduce the risk of Heart Disease with its fiber.
• It can improve Heart Health with the many antioxidants.
• It improves digestive health with its fiber.
• It can help vegan reach their protein requirements with its complete protein content.

How To Cook Quinoa

Cooking Quinoa is easy and can be done in a classic saucepan.

However, the best and easiest way to cook quinoa is to use a rice cooker.

Read my guide on how to cook quinoa for all the details.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Quinoa Gluten-Free?

Quinoa does not contain any gluten, it’s therefore 100% gluten-free.

Is Quinoa Good For You?

Quinoa brings many health benefits, among them is the fact that it’s a complete protein source.

Is Quinoa A Grain?

Quinoa is technically a seed, not a grain (seed and fruit).

How Do You Pronounce Quinoa?

Quinoa comes from the Quechuan word kinwa.

In English, it can either be pronounced keen-wah or kee-noh-uh.

Is Quinoa Keto?

Quinoa is fairly high in carbs with about 18 grams of net carbs per 100 grams of the cooked seeds.

As a result, it is not keto-friendly unless consumed in very small amounts.

Is Quinoa Vegan?

Quinoa is a vegan-friendly ingredient that is in fact excellent on a plant-based diet because it contains all essential amino acids, like other complete protein sources.

Does Quinoa Have Protein?

Quinoa is a good source of protein, and it contains all essential amino acids.

What Does Quinoa Taste Like?

Quinoa has a mild flavor, similar to brown or red rice.

It’s slightly nutty and earthy but is mild enough to be used in many sweet and savory recipes.

How Long Does Quinoa Last In The Fridge?

Uncooked quinoa can be stored for months in an airtight container in the pantry.

Cooked quinoa can last up to a week in an airtight container in the fridge.

Its smell will get very strong when it spoils, so you can’t miss it.

You can also freeze cooked quinoa for several months.