Quinoa seeds are tiny edible gluten-free seeds from the Amaranthaceae family plant species.

The seeds are surprisingly nutritious and rich in quality protein.

In retrospect, it is among a rare group of plants that contain adequate amount of the nine essential amino acids.

Quinoa Recipes:

• Quinoa Breakfast Bowl

Ingredients

1. 1 cup cooked quinoa
2. Greek yoghurt
3. Mixed berries
4. Honey
5. Nuts or seeds (such as macadamia or chia seeds)

Method

1. Spread Greek yoghurt and cooked quinoa in a bowl.
2. Top with mixed berries, drizzle with honey and sprinkle with nuts or seeds.

•  Quinoa Salad

Ingredients

1. 1 cup cooked quinoa
2. Cherry tomatoes, halved
3. Cucumber, diced
4. Red onion, chopped
5. Cheese, crumbled
6. Olive oil, lemon juice, salt and pepper.

Method

1. Mix cooked quinoa with tomatoes, cucumber, red onion and cheese. Drizzle with olive oil and lemon juice. Season with salt and pepper.

• Quinoa and Black Bean Bowl

Ingredients

1. 1 cup cooked quinoa
2. 1/2 cup black beans, drained and rinsed
3. Corn kernels (fresh or frozen)
4. Avocado, diced
5. Salsa and lime wedges for serving

Method

1. Combine cooked quinoa with black beans, corn and avocado. Serve with salsa and lime wedges.

• Lemon Herb Quinoa with Grilled Chicken

Ingredients

1. 1 cup cooked quinoa
2. Grilled chicken breast, sliced
3. Zucchini, sliced and grilled
4. Cherry tomatoes, halved
5. Fresh herbs (parsley, thyme)
6. Lemon zest, olive oil, salt and pepper.

Method

1. Combine cooked quinoa with grilled chicken, zucchini, cherry tomatoes and fresh herbs.
2. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle lemon zest.
3. Season with salt and pepper.

•  Quinoa and Roasted Vegetable Bowl

Ingredients

1. 1 cup cooked quinoa
2. Roasted vegetables (bell papers, carrots)
3. Chickpeas, roasted
4. Tahini dressing

Method:

1. Mix cooked quinoa with roasted vegetables and chickpeas. Drizzle with tahini dressing and mix until well combined.