quinoa

what is this?  i hear alot about it and i looked it up.  i didnt see anything that impressive about the nutrition facts.  how does it taste?  any advice?

oooh, it is my new favorite!  It basically tastes like Cous Cous - but you can add stuff to it to make different side dishes.  Last night I made it and threw in (one can each): diced tomatoes, corn, chick peas, black beans, artichoke hearts and then diced an avacado and added some lemon juice.  My mother, who shuns all things healthy - loved it.  I have done it with sun dried tomatoes and feta, etc.  It is supposed to be much healthier than any other grain, and it is versatile and cooks in 10 minutes.  Be creative!  Good luck

It's bland tasting and has an interesting, grainy texture.  It's a little lower in calories than brown rice and the nutritional value is pretty good.  It's high in iron and provides a nutritionally complete protein.  You cook it like you would rice. 

Quinoa - from The World's Healthiest Foods

I just bought some quinoa today for the first time and am anxious to try it. I read that it is gluten free, if that's of any concern to you.

I believe it can be used in place of rice or couscous, or any other such grain, and it cooks a bit faster than rice. I also read it can be good as a hot breakfast cereal instead of oatmeal.

I think I'm just going to make a simple pilaf tonight with mine-garlic, onion, quinoa...maybe some broccoli.

It is a grain native to South America, Peru to be specific. It is uniqiue in that it is one of the few plants which contain a complete protein, as well as being high in fiber

It has a some what nutty taste, that lends it self well to many dishes. It cooks up similiar to rice, but takes less time. It can be used as a breakfast cereal or for many different savory recipes.  It can be cooked in any liquid from orange or other fruit juice for a sweet breakfasty taste or broth or stock for  more savory flavor. IT is very mild and works well with many flavors.

One of my favorite is to cook it in veggie broth and combine it with corn and any other veggies I have and toss it together with my favorite salsa.

It doesn't work well for baking alone

It can usually be found in the health food section of most major grocery stores. I love it. It is quite yummy. the box may not seem that big, but like rice, it really expands when you cook it.