There are certain foods that are considered staple foods. Here in England it is almost a crime to eat dinner without potatoes. We eat potatoes with anything. We boil them, roast them and chop them. We also make them in waffles, croquettes and mashed potatoes. When we run out of potato ideas it will be a sad day.
Another staple food is rice. While not flexible like the humble potato, it can be cooked and used in many ways as a main meal or dessert. So what about quinoa? Is using quinoa as a staple food a viable option? Is it easy to use in many different types of foods and recipes? Having written 2 books on the subject, I am compelled to say yes. But let me walk you through a few simple ways you can include quinoa in your diet today.
As an accompaniment to a meal.
You can very easily substitute quinoa as a side dish where you would normally serve rice. Because quinoa is more substantial than rice with a slight flavor of its own, I find it a better choice for curries and stews. It really enhances the overall flavor of the food and makes it more filling. You can reduce the amount and still feel full.
as a salad base
Couscous is used in North Africa and some Mediterranean countries as a base for salads. You can use quinoa in a similar way. You can mix anything you have on hand with the quinoa and have a delicious meal ready in a few minutes. To add more punch, you can dress the salad with mayonnaise or French dressing. For example, it’s very easy to chop up some sweet peppers, celery, and carrots and mix them into the quinoa. It only takes a few moments and it tastes delicious.
Why quinoa can be a staple food
The point about quinoa is that it is much easier to use than most people imagine. It comes in different colors and different shapes. There are the standard beans that come in cream, red, and black. Then there are quinoa flakes that can be used in baking and in breakfast cereals. You can also use the flakes as a granola ingredient. You can also buy gluten-free quinoa flour to use in special gluten-free bread and cookie recipes.
I hope you can see the possibilities with quinoa as a staple.