This immensely versatile and highly nutritious grain, or “mother grain”, was originally from South America where it has been used for thousands of years. Rich in protein and easy to digest, quinoa has a low calorie content (360kcal per 100 grammes), making it ideal for any type of diet, while its delicate flavour means it can be prepared in a hundred different ways. Quinoa is also an important source of minerals such as phosphorous, magnesium, iron and zinc … in other words a “superfood” … ideal for our health and body.
What is it?
Surprisingly, quinoa is not a cereal but a seed-producing flowering plant that is more similar to spinach and beetroot than rice, making it 100% gluten free, which is suitable for people who suffer with celiac disease.
How to cook quinoa
To release its full flavour, lightly toast the quinoa before boiling it in salted water for 10-12 minutes. It’s delicious in a soup or salad or simply as a side dish. The choices are infinite: it’s up to you how you introduce it into your diet!
Hazelnut, pomegranate and avocado salad
Savour the lush green pulp of the avocado mixed together with ruby red pomegranate seeds, crunchy hazelnuts and quinoa. This delicious and nutritious vegetarian dish is the perfect choice to keep you healthy this summer!
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Serves: 2 people
Ingredients:
- 200g quinoa
- 1 avocado
- 80g hazelnuts
- 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- Salt
- Pepper
Method
- Rinse the quinoa, then put it in a saucepan with a lid and add 200ml water. Cover the saucepan and cook over a medium heat for 15 minutes or until fluffy and the water has been absorbed. Leave to cool.
- Remove the skin from the avocado and cut the flesh into cubes, then remove the seeds from the pomegranate and crush the hazelnuts into large pieces.
- Mix the ingredients together carefully in a bowl with the quinoa. Add salt and pepper to taste. Et voilà the perfect summer salad!
Are you interested in this and other healthy dishes? On the Wizard App you’ll find lots of recipes connected to our products!
