Quinoa with Feta, Walnuts and dried Cranberries
If you’re just getting into grains, quinoa is an excellent start. It’s one of the easiest to prepare—it only takes about 15 minutes to cook—and it’s absolutely delicious. It’s also a complete protein and contains all of the essential amino acids a body needs. This preparation is one of my favorites because it’s just the right amount of sweet and savory. Quinoa can be cooked in water, but for extra flavor try using low-sodium chicken broth.
- 6
Ingredients
- 1 cup quinoa
- 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth or water
- 1/2 cup walnuts
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries
- 1/4 cup feta, crumbled
Preparation
Step 1
Note: In its natural state, quinoa is coated with saponins, a bitter substance that protects it from being eaten by birds and other predators. Most quinoa sold in North America has already been rinsed of the saponins, but if you want to be extra careful, soak the quinoa for five minutes or so in water and then drain before cooking.
Bring the chicken broth or water to boil. Add the quinoa, cover and turn the heat to low. Let simmer for 15 minutes, or until all of the liquid is absorbed. Add feta, walnuts and dried cranberries and gently stir to combine. Serve warm.
Nutrition: 188 calories, 9 g fat, 20g carbohydrates, 8 g protein, 95mg sodium