Mealtime Magic: Quinoa

I hadn't heard of quinoa until just a year or so ago, but it's now considered a "superfood" by many. For a grain, it is very high in protein, and it's a complete protein (contains all essential amino acids). It contains other great nutrients too, including folate, iron, and fiber - and it's gluten-free, so it's an option for people with gluten intolerance.

But since it's relatively new to mainstream cooking, a lot of people don't know what to do with it. I have a few recipes I can share with you, excerpted from 500 Best Quinoa Recipes: 100% Gluten-Free Super-Easy Superfood.

Blintz Pancakes with Yogurt and Jam (yes, pancakes can be gluten-free)

1 c quinoa flour
1/2 t baking soda
1/4 t fine sea salt
4 large eggs
1 c cottage cheese
1/2 c milk
2 T vegetable oil
2 T pure maple syrup or liquid honey
nonstick cooking spray
1 c plain yogurt
1/4 c fruit-sweetened blackberry or raspberry jam

• In a large bowl, whisk together quinoa flour, baking soda and salt.
• In a medium bowl, whisk together eggs, cottage cheese, milk, oil and maple syrup until blended.
• Add the egg mixture to the flour mixture and stir until just blended.
• Heat a griddle or skillet over medium heat. Spray with cooking spray. For each panckae, pour about 1/4 c batter onto griddle. Cook until bubbles appear on top. Turn pancake over and cook for about 1 minute or until golden brown. Repeat with the remaining batter, spraying griddle and adjusting heat as necessary between batches.
• Serve pancakes topped with yogurt and jam.

Chocolate Ricotta Bread

Preheat oven to 350. Spray an 8x4 metal loaf pan with nonstick cooking spray

2 c quinoa flour
1/2 unsweetened cocoa powder (not Dutch process)
2t baking powder
3/4 t fine sea salt
3/4 c natural cane sugar or packed light brown sugar
2 large ggs
1 c ricotta cheese
1/4 c unrefined virgin coconut oil, warmed, or vegetable oil
1 t almond extract
1 1/2 c milk or plain non-dairy milk
1/2 c miniature semisweet chocolate chips

• In a large bowl, whisk together quinoa flour, cocoa powder, baking powder and salt.
• In a medium bowl, whisk together sugar, eggs, ccheese, oil and almond extract until well blended. Whisk in milk until blended.
• Add the egg mixture to the flour mixture and stir until just blended. Gently fold in chocolate  chips.
• Spread batter evenly in prepared pan.
• Bake in preheated oven for 50-55 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let cool in pan on a wire rack for 5 minutes, then transfer to the rack. Serve warm or let cool completely.

The recipes available in the cookbook cover the complete span of possible needs, from breakfast to dinner, from appetizer to dessert. There's also a very helpful intro section about quinoa, and about other ingredients and substitutions as well, such as oils, milks, and sweeteners.

Disclosure: I received a complimentary copy of the book to facilitate this post.