![Basic quinoa recipe](https://www.besthealthmag.ca/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/shutterstock_491841511.jpg?fit=700%2C525)
Quinoa Recipes – Basic quinoa recipe
Pronounced “keen-wah,” this super healthy, protein-packed grain contains every amino acid, and is particularly rich in lysine, which promotes healthy tissue growth throughout the body. Quinoa is also a good source of iron, magnesium, vitamin E, potassium, and fibre. It looks a bit like couscous and is as versatile as rice, but quinoa has a richer, nuttier flavour than either of them.
Quinoa seeds have a naturally bitter coating to deter birds that must be soaked off before preparing. Packaged quinoa has likely been pre-soaked, but check before cooking. To cook it, soak 1 cup quinoa in 2 cups water for 5-10 minutes (to dissolve any remaining bitter coating). Drain and rinse. Pour into a pot and add 1 1/2 cups of water and a half teaspoon of salt. Boil, then cover with a tight-fitting lid. Simmer for 15 minutes. Remove from heat and let sit for 5 minutes, covered. Fluff with a fork and serve.
There are endless ways to enjoy eating this super grain. Quinoa can be eaten on its own as a side dish, with a bit of butter or oil, salt and pepper, or other seasonings. It also makes a great breakfast dish mixed with dried fruit, cinnamon, milk, and maple syrup or honey. Paired with chilli, stir-fries, beans or curries, quinoa is a healthy substitute for rice, and it also makes a tasty pilaf. As a main course, use it to make meat-free burgers, mix it into stews or toss it into salads. Quinoa works as a baking grain as well, and makes for delicious and nutritious breads and muffins.
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![Crunchy cashew Thai quinoa salad](https://www.besthealthmag.ca/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/shutterstock_547556332.jpg?fit=700%2C525)
Quinoa Recipes – Crunchy cashew Thai quinoa salad
This Asian-inspired dish from Ambitious Kitchen incorporates peppers, carrots, onions, and cilantro into her version, but feel free to experiment.
![Enchilada chicken quinoa stuffed bell peppers](https://www.besthealthmag.ca/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/shutterstock_424204216.jpg?fit=700%2C525)
Quinoa Recipes – Enchilada chicken quinoa stuffed bell peppers
Roasted bell peppers from Ambitious Kitchen are stuffed with quinoa, chicken, red enchilada sauce, cheese, and spices in this satisfying Mexican-themed dish.
![Shrimp and vegetable quinoa fried rice](https://www.besthealthmag.ca/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/shutterstock_375074377.jpg?fit=700%2C525)
Quinoa Recipes – Shrimp and vegetable quinoa fried rice
This “healthified version of shrimp fried rice” on Simply Quinoa suggests sautéing the veggies in water instead of oil. In general, quinoa is a healthy substitute for rice (and makes a tasty pilaf).
![Dark Chocolate Quinoa Cookies](https://www.besthealthmag.ca/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/shutterstock_363878525.jpg?fit=700%2C525)
Quinoa Recipes – Dark chocolate quinoa cookies
The secret to the rich flavour of these cookies on Simply Quinoa is a half cup of cocoa powder with chocolate chunks folded into the batter.
![Rosemary quinoa turkey meatballs](https://www.besthealthmag.ca/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/shutterstock_574533070.jpg?fit=700%2C525)
Quinoa Recipes – Rosemary quinoa turkey meatballs
Quinoa functions as the perfect binder in these protein-filled turkey meatballs from the blog Simply Quinoa. The recipe’s good-for-you factor is boosted by the use of spaghetti squash in place of pasta, but you could serve these with whatever you like.
![Blueberry chocolate chip quinoa pancakes](https://www.besthealthmag.ca/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/shutterstock_574533067.jpg?fit=700%2C525)
Quinoa Recipes – Blueberry chocolate chip quinoa pancakes
Quinoa and Greek yogurt amp up protein in these pancakes from the blog Ambitious Kitchen. On its own, quinoa also makes a great breakfast mixed with dried fruit, cinnamon, milk, and maple syrup or honey.
![Southwestern quinoa bites](https://www.besthealthmag.ca/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/shutterstock_436797133.png?fit=700%2C525)
Quinoa Recipes – Southwestern quinoa bites
These quinoa bites from the blog So Very Blessed combine quinoa with black beans, frozen corn, and onion and bake up easily in a muffin tin.
![Healthy “Reese’s” quinoa crispy treats](https://www.besthealthmag.ca/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/shutterstock_366818999.png?fit=700%2C525)
Quinoa Recipes – Healthy “Reese’s” quinoa crispy treats
These Reese’s Pieces meets Rice Krispies Treats from the blog Simply Quinoa are a double treat. Perfect for a cheat day.
![Quinoa stuffed eggplant](https://www.besthealthmag.ca/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/shutterstock_351120791.png?fit=700%2C525)
Quinoa Recipes – Quinoa stuffed eggplant
These stuffed eggplants from the blog Adventures in Cooking make use of simple ingredients that draw out the best in eggplant’s flavour, like mint and oregano.
![No-bake brown butter quinoa bars](https://www.besthealthmag.ca/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/shutterstock_127063031.png?fit=700%2C525)
Quinoa Recipes – No-bake brown butter quinoa bars
From the blog How Sweet It Is, satisfy a dessert craving with these no-bake bars filled with quinoa, oats, almonds, flaxseed, and chocolate chips.
![Quinoa chocolate chip zucchini breakfast cookies](https://www.besthealthmag.ca/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/shutterstock_288608255.jpg?fit=700%2C525)
Quinoa Recipes – Quinoa chocolate chip zucchini breakfast cookies
From the blog Healthful Pursuit, these vegan and gluten free delights are made with flour, maple syrup, vanilla extract and dairy-free chocolate chips, with added nutrition from quinoa, zucchini, and flaxseed. Quinoa also works well for baking delicious and nutritious breads and muffins.
![Sesame ginger sweet teriyaki salmon with garlic quinoa stir fry](https://www.besthealthmag.ca/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/shutterstock_256251142.png?fit=700%2C525)
Quinoa Recipes – Sesame ginger sweet teriyaki salmon with garlic quinoa stir fry
The blog Ambitious Kitchen perks up a simple quinoa stir fry with fresh ginger and garlic.
![Apple spice quinoa granola](https://www.besthealthmag.ca/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/shutterstock_524711839.jpg?fit=700%2C525)
Apple spice quinoa granola
This granola recipe from the blog Sally’s Baking Addiction jazzes itself up with quinoa, apples, raisins, and more.
![Quinoa cookie](https://www.besthealthmag.ca/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/shutterstock_248256634.jpg?fit=700%2C525)
Quinoa Recipes – Quinoa cookie
In these cookies from Two Peas and Their Pod, the quinoa adds a distinct crunchiness and protein boost.
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