Quinoa. [KEEN-wah]. Yes, I am putting the pronunciation because I was embarrassingly pronouncing it wrong myself for a long time 🙂 A grain high in fiber and protein. And I added even more protein to it, and made creamy quinoa.
But I love adding just a little bit more protein to my grains.
It not only has it’s nutritional benefits, but it makes it oh so fluffy. Yes, I used “fluffy” to describe quinoa. But let me tell you, it is the perfect description. How do I add protein you may ask? It’s all in the whites… egg whites that is! If you stir them vigorously into your grain of choice (quinoa, oats, rice), it doesn’t get “eggy”, but only fluffy and delicious!
But there is also 2 other ingredients that lend the creaminess in this creamy quinoa recipe. And nope, it is NOT cream or butter. But it does add even more protein and flavor!
I’ll give you a hint. I was very intrigued when I passed samples of carrots and ranch at Costco the other day, that is, when I saw the ranch was made from simple ranch flavored powder 🙂
Creamy Quinoa with Herbs
Ingredients
- 1.5 cups quinoa
- 3 cups water
- 1/2 cup egg whites
- 1/4 cup fat free ricotta cheese
- 1 T powdered ranch dressing packet
- 1 tsp crushed garlic
- 1 tsp sea salt
Instructions
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Bring quinoa and water to boil, reduce to medium heat and add in ranch dressing powder, salt, and garlic.
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Cook until most water is gone.
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When most liquid is gone, add in egg whites and stir constantly for about 3 minutes.
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Take off heat and add ricotta cheese, stirring until thoroughly mixed.
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Enjoy!
Quinoa Benefits
1) One of the most protein rich foods we can eat (contains all 9 essential amino acids)
2) Twice the fiber of other grains (aids in regularity, reduces high blood pressure, keeps you feeling full
3) Contains iron (keeps red blood cells healthy, increases brain function, muscle functioning)
4) Contains lysine (essential for tissue growth and repair)
5) Rich in magnesium (helps relax red blood vessels which alleviates migraines; also aids in formation of healthy bones and teeth)
6) High manganese content (an antioxidant, which helps prevent damage of mitochondria during energy production)
Source:
Enjoyed my quinoa with chicken off the grill!