Quinoa

I've discovered what's so great about quinoa!  I've used it before, mostly as a rice substitute in a meal.  It really is bland unless you dress it up with other ingredients.  But what it lacks in flavor, it more than makes up for in nutritional value.  It's one of the superfoods with superior health benefits.

After doing an online search of recipes, I came up with mild success.  So I asked a lady down the hall at work, who has mentioned quinoa before, to send me some of her recipes.  She sent me a treasure trove of numerous websites featuring quinoa recipes.  Aside from the recipes, there are endless ways to use it - in smoothies, omelettes, salads, mix it with vegetables.

Here is one recipe that I like.

Black Bean,Tomato, and Quinoa Salad

2 teaspoons grated lime zest
2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
2 tablespoons melted butter
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper

1 cup cooked quinoa
1 can black beans (I used dried, soaked, and cooked beans)
2 tomatoes, chopped
4 scallions, chopped
1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro


Whist together the lime zest, juice, butter, oil, sugar, and salt and pepper.  Add the rest of the ingredients to the bowl.  Combine.  Chill.