What to Eat with Quinoa

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By Nicholle C. | Updated: Jan 14, 2022

What to Eat with Quinoa

Quinoa has been cultivated and consumed by the indigenous people of the Andrea region for thousands of years. However, it wasn't until the 1970's that, in light of the research regarding its amazing nutritional benefits, quinoa's seeds started to grow in demand all over the world.1 Despite its popularity, many people may still not know what to make with quinoa. However, as a result of its mildly nutty flavor and agreeable texture, there are many ways to serve this delicious and nutritious Andean seed.

What Goes Well with Quinoa

Although quinoa can be consumed on its own, it is often served accompanied by other foods. Quinoa blends very well with vegetables, such as cucumber, tomato, onion, and bell pepper. It also pairs well with many legumes, such as beans and chickpeas

You will enjoy quinoa seeds in this breakfast chocolate quinoa, vegetarian quinoa meatballs, quinoa maize salad, or more!

BECAUSE QUINOA GOES WELL WITH SO MANY THINGS, IT CAN BE ADDED TO MANY SAVORY RECIPES, OFTEN AS A REPLACEMENT FOR RICE.

Besides cooked quinoa, you can also eat it in several other forms, including the following:

As part of a healthy diet, it is important to eat an appropriate mix of foods from all of the food groups. When pairing quinoa with other foods, consider the proper dietary intake and serving size of each element you are consuming.

QUINOA IS A SEED THAT CONTAINS ALL NINE ESSENTIAL AMINO ACIDS AN ADULT BODY DOES NOT PRODUCE AND, THEREFORE, NEEDS TO OBTAIN FROM FOOD.

Thanks to its versatility, there are numerous quinoa recipes worth trying. When posed the important question of what to eat with quinoa, vegetables and legumes are among the best options quinoa is very good to be served with. Now that you know what to eat with quinoa, you can try your own culinary creations with this popular pseudograin.

Sources

  • Food Reviews International, Nutritional Value and Use of the Andean Crops Quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa) and Kañiwa (Chenopodium pallidicaule), 2003
  • Journal of Nutrition and Food Sciences, Quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa Willd), from Nutritional Value to Potential Health Benefits: An Integrative Review, 2016
  • USDA Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, Dietary Guidelines 2015-2020, Chapter 1: Key Elements of Healthy Eating Patterns | Appendix 2. Estimate calorie Needs per Day, by Age, Sex, and Physical Activity Level | Appendix 3. USDA Food Patterns: Healty U.S.-Style Eating Pattern
  • FAOSTAT, International Year of Quinoa 2013, Uses of Quinoa | Quinoa in the Kitchen, pp. 36-81

Footnotes:

  1. Food First. (2014). The Story Behind The Popular Superfood, Quinoa. Retrieved October 15, 2021 from https://foodfirst.org/news/the-story-behind-the-popular-superfood-quinoa/