Quinoa can be used in various ways. It cooks up well for salads and sides. Choose your favorite veggies and season to taste. With just 2 ingredients: curry powder and bouillon, you are adding 8-12 different herbs and spices to the dish. It’s a great way to add lots of flavor with little effort.

Ingredients

1 cup uncooked quinoa—rinsed
2 cups water
1 vegetable bouillon cube (or 1 tsp. salt)
2 tsp. curry powder (or to taste)
2 Tbs. coconut or olive oil
1 tbs. minced garlic
½ cup chopped onions
Finely chopped vegetables of choice—4-5 cups
[kale, spinach, chard, collards, broccoli, green beans, etc.]
½ cup toasted cashew pieces
¼ cup dried cranberries or raisins

Put water, bouillon, and curry powder into a medium size saucepan. Bring to a boil. Add quinoa. Cover and return to a boil, then reduce heat to medium low. Cook until done (approx. 20-25 minutes). Set aside. Heat oil in a sauté pan over medium heat. Add onions and garlic. Cook briefly, then add other veggies. Cook until tender (adding a little water if needed—but be sure that all water is evaporated before adding to the quinoa). Put cooked quinoa into a bowl then add the veggies. Stir to combine. Toss in remaining ingredients. Serve warm, hot or at room temperature.

Health Benefits of Curry Powder 

Curry Powder is a popular spice mix that has a number of valuable health benefits, including the prevention of cancer, protection against heart disease, reduce Alzheimer’s disease symptoms, ease pain and inflammation, boost bone health, protect the immune system from bacterial infections, and increase the liver’s ability to remove toxins from the body. Curry powder is made up of numerous ingredients, and depending on the region of the world, they can change slightly, which can also alter the specific health benefits that may be derived from the powder. The most common and advantageous ingredients of curry powder are turmeric, coriander, cardamom, cumin and red pepper. Some other ingredients that are occasionally added, depending on the specific recipe, are fennel seeds, ginger, garlic, cinnamon, or mustard seeds, all of which have individual health benefits.

Health Benefits of Quinoa

Quinoa is a Powerfood Vegetable Seed! Although referred to as a grain, it is actually a seed from a vegetable related to Swiss chard, spinach and beets. Quinoa is pronounced keen-wa.

1. High quality protein with the nine essential amino acids, the protein balance is similar to milk. At 16.2 to 20 percent protein, it has is more protein than rice (7.5 percent), millet (9.9 percent) or wheat (14 percent).
2. Great source of riboflavin. Riboflavin has been shown to help reduce the frequency of attacks in migraine sufferers by improving the energy metabolism within the brain and muscle cells.
3. Inca warriors had more stamina and quicker recovery time by eating these quinoa seeds, making it a truly ancient powerfood.
4. Antiseptic. The saponins from quinoa are used to promote healing of skin injuries in South America.
5. Only 172 calories per 1/4 cup dry (24 of the calories from protein and only 12 from sugars, the rest are complex carbohydrates, fiber and healthy fats). Not fattening!
6. Gluten-free. Since it is not not related to wheat, or even a grain, it is gluten-free.
7. Alkaline-forming. Although it is not strongly alkaline-forming, it is comparable to wild rice, amaranth, and sprouted grains.
8. Smart Carb: It is a complex carbohydrate with a low glycemic index, so it won’t spike your blood sugar.