quinoa

QUINOA

Though actually a seed, quinoa is often referred to as a “supergrain” because it’s a nutritionally complete protein. We love the pinhead-size seeds (which can be white, red, black, or purple) for their faint crunch and mineral taste.

KNOWING WHEN IT'S DONE:

The grains will unfurl and expand to about three times their size.

TIP:

Toast quinoa in a dry (no oil or butter) pot before adding water; we’ve found that toasting it in fat gives the grain a slightly bitter flavor.

TRY IT IN:

Quinoa Salad with Red Bell Pepper and Cilantro

Source: Cook's Illustrated