Here's a fun fact about quinoa:

It's technically not a grain—it's a seed! Quinoa belongs to the same family as spinach and beets, and its seeds are what we cook and eat. This makes it a "pseudo-grain," often mistaken for a cereal grain because of how we prepare and enjoy it. Bonus fun? Quinoa comes in a rainbow of varieties, including white, red, black, and even purple! Each type has its own unique flavor and texture, making it a colorful and exciting ingredient to experiment with in the kitchen.

Quinoa Pizza Crust

Ingredients:

1 cup quinoa

water

2 TBSP olive oil

1 tsp salt

Instructions:

Rinse the quinoa with clean water, until water comes clean.

In a bowl put the cup of quinoa with water until it covers it, let it soak for 12 hours or overnight.

Rinse the quinoa with clean water again. 

Blend the rinsed and drained quinoa, with 1/3 cup water or 1/2 cup, add the oil, and salt. it has to feel like a pancake batter, not too runny.

Add oil to a baking sheet and spread it. 

Spread your batter on top, in a thin layer.

bake at 350 for 10 minutes, flip and bake for another 10 minutes.

Add your sauce, cheese, and favorite toppings!!!

We had our pizza with chipotle-tomat0 sauce, mozzarella, shrimp, bacon, and fresh jalapeño and avocado before serving.

Storage: You can Freeze it and use it later.

 

Why cooking with Quinoa?

Cooking with quinoa is fantastic for your health, and it brings so much versatility to your recipes! Here are a few reasons why it's such a superstar ingredient:

  1. Nutrient Powerhouse: Quinoa is rich in essential nutrients like magnesium, iron, zinc, and potassium. It's also packed with B vitamins, which are great for energy and metabolism.

  2. Complete Protein: Unlike most plant-based foods, quinoa contains all nine essential amino acids, making it a complete protein. It's an excellent choice for vegetarians, vegans, or anyone looking to boost their protein intake.

  3. High in Fiber: It’s loaded with dietary fiber, which supports digestive health, keeps you feeling full longer, and helps stabilize blood sugar levels.

  4. Gluten-Free: For those with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease, quinoa is a perfect substitute for wheat-based grains.

  5. Heart-Healthy: The combination of heart-friendly fats, antioxidants, and nutrients in quinoa can contribute to reduced cholesterol levels and overall heart health.

  6. Versatility: From savory salads to sweet breakfast bowls, and even in baked goods like your banana apple bread, quinoa adapts beautifully to a variety of dishes!

By incorporating quinoa into your cooking, you’re not just adding a healthy ingredient—you’re elevating your meals with its nutty flavor, light texture, and myriad health benefits.