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Quinoa is a staple in our house.  If you don’t know about this wonderful grain you need to.  It is full of protein and provides a complete protein without pairing it with a thing!  I use it in place of rice in many or our dishes.  It is healthy, filling, and flavorful.

I like to put quinoa in a lot of dishes, such as my stuffed peppers, but I also serve it as a side.  One complaint people make about quinoa is that it is kinda bland by itself, especially when you aren’t used to its flavor.  To avoid this problem I add some seasonings to it while cooking and it gives it a richer depth of flavor, kind of a “jump start” for the quinoa’s eventual destination.

Next time you make a stir fry try this instead of rice, you will not be disappointed!

  • 2 cups water*
  • 2 tsp. chicken base*
  • 1/4 tsp. garlic powder
  • 1/4 tsp. paprika
  • 1/4 tsp. black paper
  • dash of cayenne pepper
  • 1 bay leaf (broken in half)
  • 1 cup quinoa
  • *chicken stock can be used in place of the base and water

Basic Quinoa

Place the water in a small sauce pan, add chicken base and seasonings.  Bring the water to a boil and add quinoa.

Stir and return to a boil.  Cover the sauce pan and turn the heat to low.  Cook, covered for 15-20 minutes, stirring once.

When the time is up remove the lid, stir and cook until most of the liquid has evaporated.