What I'm eating Wednesday ...

I saw this sitting in my pantry over the weekend.

I bought it about a month ago with the intention of trying it for breakfast as a change from the usual or to make up a salad. 

As you have surely heard quinoa is a "super grain" that has been around for thousands of years.  The fabulous Wikipedia can be credited for providing me with some nutritional information on quinoa ...  

"Quinoa was of great nutritional importance in pre-Columbian Andean civilizations, secondary only to the potato, and was followed in importance by maize. In contemporary times, this crop has become highly appreciated for its nutritional value, as its protein content is very high (14% by mass). Nutritional evaluations of quinoa indicate that it is a source of complete protein. Furthermore, it is a good source of dietary fibre and phosphorus and is high in magnesium and iron. Quinoa is also a source of calcium, and thus is useful for vegans and those who are lactose intolerant. Quinoa is gluten-free and considered easy to digest."

So anyway I thought that I had better make the effort to use it this week.  The stuff is a little bit expensive if you decide to leave it go past the use by date.

I have used quinoa flakes before to make "porridge" for breakfast and I'll be honest and I was not so fussed at all! I thought it smelled funny and tasted a bit gag worthy.

But, I'm giving the whole grain a go this time.
 
I've been having it for my breakfast the last few mornings.  The directions on the packet suggest 1 part quinoa to 3 parts water.  I have been cooking it up with water and adding some berries like I usually do for my oats or muesli.  I also add a tablespoon or so of milk ( I like it a bit creamy ) and a drizzle of maple syrup as I just didn't think I could face it "unsweetened". I'm working my way up slowly!

This morning I made it up and added the tablespoon or so of milk but when a bit luxurious and added raisins and some brown sugar. I must say this was a little more palatable.
I believe I also need to rinse it to get rid of some of the "bitterness" .. I tried this one morning but I forgot this morning so unsure whether this really made a difference!

I haven't yet tried it in a savoury dish.  I'm a bit nervous as to the family's reaction however I would like to have a go as it is supposed to be great as a cous cous substitute. 
I have done a little bit of searching on the Internet ( as you do ) to find some savoury recipes. There are hundreds! There are websites dedicated to quinoa recipes alone.

I'm going to keep playing over the next week or so and see what I can come up with!  In the meantime, if anyone has any tried and true recipes I could have a crack at please send them through!

What have you been eating this Wednesday?