"Nov. 1 marks the start of Nutrition Month (yes, it is already November!). One of the newest food items to pop up in the nutrition world is Quinoa (pronounced KEEN-wah), and it is VERY healthy.
The grains, which are the seeds of a plant similar to spinach, are round in shape and flat. When cooked, it becomes fluffy. The grain has a nutty taste, making it the perfect complement in many areas of cooking from desserts to salads.
The health benefits of Quinoa are bountiful, but the grain is especially high in amino acids. It has high levels of basically every nutrient including protein, potassium, iron, vitamins, fiber, and more. Some suggest eating the grain will lead to reduced risks of getting cancer. This is due to the high amounts of manganese in a serving of Quinoa, according to Health Beckon.
Those who are diagnosed with diabetes can benefit from Quinoa’s nutrients. The magnesium and fiber contained in the grain helps secrete insulin and regulate blood sugar. Quinoa also makes you feel full for longer, which is also due to the fiber, and makes Quinoa an important staple in a weight loss diet. Bodybuilders also eat the grains for its protein, vitamins and minerals. This grain also does not contain gluten.
As a kick off to Nutrition Month, TheCelebrityCafe.com is compiling a list of the Top 10 Quinoa recipes, so that you can jump on the health-kick today. You will be surprised by some of the recipes that call for Quinoa!
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10. Quinoa Pancakes
A healthy pancake? Yes, it is possible! These pancakes, which call for ¾ cup of cooked Quinoa, only require five simple ingredients. The result is a fluffy, protein-packed pancake. Top with fresh fruit instead of syrup if you wish to keep the calories lower.
Image via PInterest.
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9. Quinoa Chicken Parmesan
This recipe makes for a good bread crumb substitute for those of you who follow a Gluten-free diet. It works the same way as a traditional chicken breading recipes, first dipping the chicken in flour, then egg, and finally the Quinoa. Once baked, the chicken has a crispy coating you would never know is nutritious! Top with cheese and marinara and finish baking.
Image via PInterest.
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8. Bacon Ranch Quinoa Chicken Salad
This is a quick and easy grab-and-go meal, perfect for the busy mom. It is a twist on the classic chicken salad, adding in bacon for a bit of saltiness and quinoa for its nutrients. The quinoa is cooked and cooled before using in this recipe, and it is all tossed in a yummy yogurt ranch dressing, which is, of course, healthy, too!
Image via PInterest.
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7. Quinoa Chili
This chili recipe is meatless, but it is full of vegetables and protein. The quinoa is a healthy substitute to noodles in chili. This chili contains way more protein and way less carbs because of its lack of pasta. However, it does not lack in it’s flavor.
Image via PInterest.
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6. Quinoa Fruit and Oat Bites
These dessert bites provide parents with an easy way to sneak nutrition into their kids’ diets. Disguised as a sweet treat, these quinoa oat bites are packed full of protein, fiber and vitamins. They are also super filling, so they make for a perfect mid-day snack. With cinnamon, brown sugar and a chocolate covering, these bites have their fair share of sweetness. However, add in your favorite fruit to offset the sugar.
Image via PInterest.
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5. Chocolate Quinoa Cake
A flourless cake made from quinoa? That may sound impossible to many, but this recipe proves that is can be done. And, it is done deliciously. Once the quinoa is mixed in with the other ingredients, its texture and flavor is masked by the chocolaty, gooey taste.
Image via PInterest.
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4. One Pan Mexican Quinoa
There’s no excuse not to try this recipe, because all the ingredients are cooked right in the same pan-even the quinoa! You can whip this up for dinner in about 30 minutes. Not only is this dish healthy, but it is bursting with flavor from the lime to the chili powder. Just throw it all in a skillet and let it cook.
Image via PInterest.
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3. Quinoa Mac & Cheese
Finally, there is a way to make a healthy mac & cheese! Parents of picky eaters everywhere rejoice. The healthy grain, dubbed the super grain in this recipe, has the same texture as pasta when cooked. This makes it the perfect complement for melted, creamy cheese.
Image via PInterest.
[new page=Garlicky & Cheesy Quinoa Zucchini Fritters]
2. Garlicky & Cheesy Quinoa Zucchini Fritters
These fritters, packed with vegetables, cheese and quinoa, are pretty simple to make. Pan fried, these fritters come out crispy. Eat them alone as a snack or for a meal. They would also be good paired on top of a simple salad.
Image via PInterest.
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1. Cranberry Orange Quinoa Salad
With Thanksgiving just around the corner, this cranberry salad makes the top of our quinoa recipe list for its festive flavors. Bring a healthy dish to your Thanksgiving dinner this year, with this salad that is packed full of clean, simple ingredients like kale, quinoa, cranberries, oranges, nuts and honey. It is the perfect mix of sweet, sour and delicious.
Image via PInterest."