New Ways to Get Your Quinoa In
Taking a look at any package of quinoa (or even doing a simple search on the Internet) will give you plenty of reasons to join the superfood's craze. Fitness gurus love the fact that it's one of the most-protein-rich foods you can eat. But it's definitely not the easiest thing to make. Many people shy away from preparing it because the process can be long, and getting the right texture and flavor balance can be difficult. The good news: There are plenty of ways to enjoy quinoa that require no effort on your part at all.
Recently more and more quinoa-based products have been hitting supermarket shelves across the country. Think tortilla chips, pastas, baked goods and more, all made with the ancient grain. While it's totally acceptable to treat yourself to some classic potato chips every once in a while, it couldn't be simpler to swap in a quinoa creation.
One of FN Dish's favorites is Pereg's new Quinoa Pops Cereal, which is gluten-free, kosher and only 100 calories per serving. The brand has a lineup of quinoa-based products, but this one is the first for the breakfast table (or for your lap, late at night in your bed). The cereal has a light texture thanks to the popped quinoa, making it a great substitute for popped rice or corn cereal.
Another brand-new product on the market is Mr. Cheese O's, an all-natural cheese snack based with the super-grain. Think a mini version of Ina Garten's Parmesan Crisps with a little something extra to add more of a crunch. The best part is that they're the perfect combination of crunchy and salty to get you through the afternoon. These cheesy bites also have 10 grams of protein in each pack, no sugar and a label with pronounceable ingredients.
If you're feeling ambitious and want to try making your own quinoa snack, try one of these recipes. They're both made with simple ingredients, so it's easy to focus on the process, and they're ready in less than 30 minutes. Between the snacks and these foolproof recipes, you'll be getting your grain on in no time.