Pronounced “kee-NO-wah” or “KEEN-wah,” this food, somewhat new to the scene in the States, hails from South America. Although it is often served like a grain, the crop is technically not a member of the grass family like most grains.
Given quinoa’s growing popularity, and the fact that I often talk with our patients during cancer treatment about eating plenty of protein-rich foods, I decided it was time to explore this protein-rich crop for myself.
So I visited my favorite foodie site, Epicurious, and discovered a recipe for black bean and tomato quinoa. I couldn’t pass this up as the recipe included many of my favorite ingredients (lime, black beans, tomatoes, and cilantro). Even better, the acidity of the lime and tomatoes often tastes good to my patients when taste changes occur during chemo, provided mouth sores aren’t an issue.
Quinoa comes in a variety of colors, creating a very cool way to make your dinner plate all the more vibrant. I purchased pre-rinsed white quinoa (to save time and effort) in the health food section of my local supermarket, simply to contrast from the black beans and red tomatoes. However, you could also choose red or black quinoa, and substitute white beans for black beans as well.
I boiled 1 cup of quinoa in 2 cups of water, then simmered for 15 minutes until the water was absorbed. While the quinoa was simmering, I rinsed the can of black beans, chopped the tomatoes, onion and cilantro, and made the “dressing,” substituting olive oil for butter. It took a total of 20 minutes.
The verdict? Delicious! It reminds me of couscous and has a great combination of flavors. I served mine as a side dish with asparagus and roasted chicken, then realized I could have tossed in the asparagus and chicken and made it a one-dish dinner.
A Few Hints: · If the dish doesn’t quite suite your taste buds, try making the flavors richer by adding more lime, cilantro, onion, or any other ingredient of choice. · If you are struggling to maintain weight, add extra olive oil and beans to boost the calorie content. · If you are too tired to cook, have a friend help you prepare this meal. You will have leftovers to reheat and the flavors will only improve after it sits for a day or two!
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