When my daughter decided to become a vegetarian, I worried about how she would get complete proteins without eating meat products.
So I was happy when I learnt that certain combinations of plant ingredients would provide the complete proteins.
These complementing foods are, for example
What’s important these pairs of ingredients don’t even have to be eaten together at the same meal but within the same day.
However, I was even happier to learn there are some types of plant food that by themselves supply us with all essential amino acids. Quinoa is one of them.
That’s why I serve quinoa quite often now, and we all do enjoy it a lot. However, due to its natural bitterness, it has to be prepared in a certain way before cooking to eliminate this slightly nasty taste.
To make sure quinoa tastes delicious, you have to put it to a fine-mesh strainer and rinse under running cold water before you cook it. At the same time, you should rub the seeds with each other with your fingers (for at least 1 minute) and then drain well.
Next, heat a drizzle of olive oil in a pot over medium heat and fry the drained quinoa for about 1 minute till the rest of the water evaporates. Then add water, some salt and bring to boil. Lower the heat and cook covered for approx. 15 minutes.
After that time, take the pot out from the heat and let it rest covered for 5 minutes more. Fluff the quinoa with a fork. The quinoa should be dry. If there is still some water left, transfer it to a strainer and let it drain completely.
Quinoa prepared this way will be delicious. You can use it instead of rice in these dishes or make this yummy and beautiful Pretty in Pink Salad.