Red Quinoa, the Super Grain

Top of the Morning Breakfast Salad

My favorite Breakfast ever....

It cooks just like white rice.

     Perhaps my favorite grain is red quinoa. I remember the very first time I saw the grain. I actually cried for joy. I could not stop running my hands through it. It was love at first sight, and I still adore this amazing grain.

     Red Quinoa is an ancient grain that comes from South America. It is an amazing grain, in that it is a perfect protein grain. Meaning that it has all eight essential amino acids. There are only a hand full of grains that can say that. I call them the Super Grains.

     Red Quinoa is related to a large family of quinoa's. Black, white, milk, tri-colored, and a new one on the market Kaniwah. In the next few months I will be teaching you about all these wonderful grains, and just how to cook with them. I will share some of my favorite recipes with you. I think you will be amazed at how easy they are to use, and how much fun cooking with grains can be.

     Red Quinoa is amazing. It has the best nutty taste of all the grains. What I love about red quinoa is how easy it is to cook. It cooks just like white rice.  Stove top, 12 minutes or pressure cooker in 5 to 6 minutes.  

Uncooked Red Quinoa

     The best part about this amazing grain is just how versatile it is. It can be used in just about everything from; in a bowl cold for breakfast, to extending meat loaf. It is a great meat substitute for  things like tacos, or spaghetti sauces. It is a great addition in salads, from savory to sweet. There are many recipes on my web site at www.chefbrad.com. Red Quinoa is the perfect grain, and I always recommend it as the first grain someone tries who is just wanting to start cooking with grains. It's easy to cook and I recommend that you cook some up at the beginning of the week and placing it in the frig. That way you will have it on hand, to add to everything you cook all week long.

Cooked Red Quinoa

          I want to tell you that is the best way to get grains incorporated into your diet. Cook one and have it on hand. Red Quinoa is perfect for that because it taste so great. It really is a great tasting grain. Try cooking some up and having it for breakfast. It is good hot or cold, topped with fresh fruit, Xagave, and half and half or whatever milk you desire. I eat a bowl of that and my knees shake it is so great.

      My all time favorite is the Top of the Morning Breakfast Salad. It says breakfast, but this salad is great for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. I love serving it with grilled chicken or salmon.

      Red Quinoa really is a great grain, one that you will enjoy and wonder how you ever lived with out it.  If fact, don't be surprised if it brings tears to your eyes. Enjoy.  Chef Brad ~ America's Grain Guy

Top of the Morning Fruit Salad

2 C Fresh Strawberries

3 gala apples

1 small cans mandarin oranges, drained

2 bananas, sliced 

1 pineapple fresh, cored and chopped

1 C pecans, lightly chopped or other nuts

2 C cooked red quinoa

 Toss ingredients in a large bowl and toss with Dressing

Breakfast Vinaigrette Dressing

½ cup Flax oil Barleans

½ cup Olive oil

½ cup Honey

2/3 cup Golden Balsamic Vinegar

Pineapple cores

Chunk of fresh ginger

Dash salt

Teaspoon nutmeg

Place all ingredients in blender and with a dash of salt, ½ teaspoon nutmeg and 1 tsp fresh grated ginger if not using fresh ginger.