Yes we can actually eat quinoa without cooking it…
Quinoa has long been a food source of essential protein, enzymes, vitamins, and minerals, not to mention a great source of complex carbohydrates. It’s an ancient grain, revived a few decades ago and becoming more and more popular as a low-glycemic carb. It cooks like rice (2:1 water to grain) and has a unique, wonderfully nutty flavor. It cooks easily by cooking it at a boil for about 5 minutes and then keeping it on the burner until it’s fully cooked. Serve as a hot cereal with fruit and kefir or nut milk, or as a side dish to veggies, meat, etc.
All that said, my favorite way to eat quinoa, or most anything these days, is raw. If you’ve already tried it cooked, take it for a spin as a raw food. I promise you’ll be delighted.
Be sure and rinse quinoa first: Soak covered overnight, a 1/2 cup organic quinoa in about 1 1/2 cups water. I leave it on the counter top to soak unless its a hot day. Keep in the fridge if so. Drain off water the next morning, rinse, and voila! There’s your raw grain. No need for cooking and therefore it is still full of fresh enzymes for digestion, as well as intact vitamins, minerals, and protein. A high energy food! Serve with fruit and kefir, yogurt, or milk, or with a salad, stir-fry veggies, animal protein, eggs, etc. Or just enjoy plain with a little stevia or agave on top for a quick-charge energy snack!
