How do you make Quinoa for your toddler/preschooler?

I've never made it before but heard it was healthy. Thanks!

Re: How do you make Quinoa for your toddler/preschooler?

GREAT post!! I have been wondering the same. I bought 2 bags and have no clue what to do with it!

Re: How do you make Quinoa for your toddler/preschooler?

I had never heard of it before discovering weelicious.com... seems to be very healthy, she has a few recipes with quinoa that I want to try like this one:

Quinoa Mexican Salad

Re: How do you make Quinoa for your toddler/preschooler?

Great question! Would love to know some more ideas!

I can't seem to cook it so that it tastes good for me... hard to figure it out, its gots such a rich nutty flavor but I have no imagination when it comes to it, and every time I've tried to make its so blah.

Re: How do you make Quinoa for your toddler/preschooler?

I just started eating it and I love it! I use cooking spray and saute some green peppers and onions, then add the quinoa and brown it a bit, then cover in water, put a top on it and cook it until tender. Sometimes I add raw garlic and saute that in as well. My 4 y/o DD is very picky and wont even try it, but my 2y/o will try anything and really likes it!

Re: How do you make Quinoa for your toddler/preschooler?

I put it in a turkey chili - it disappereared - good way to introduce it - just add a little to ground meats.

Re: How do you make Quinoa for your toddler/preschooler?

i actually just found something that sounded good online and tried it.

i boiled it in chicken broth just for flavor bc it seemed earthy. then i put in chopped up cucumbers and crumbled feta, then lemon juice. dh and i liked it, i'll try with my boys tonight.

Re: How do you make Quinoa for your toddler/preschooler?

Re: How do you make Quinoa for your toddler/preschooler?

I make it like this:

Instead of water I use Chicken broth. I follow how ever much liquid the box calls for. I think it might be two cups to each one cup quinoa.

First I sautee some onions and garlic in EVOO. Then I add the broth and cook the quiona. At the same time I add a can of chopped tomato (or fresh). I add whatever spices I feel like (Usually an italian blend). While that's cooking I sautee some chicken in another pan until it's cooked. Then I chop it and add it to the quiona.

It is so yummy. Full of protein and really healthy.
Sometimes I leave out the chicken and just make it a side dish to something else. Sometimes I add a little splash of White wine when I add the broth. It cooks off and leaves a yummy flavor.

Sometimes I add olives, peppers or artichoke hearts (buy the canned ones.. so easy)
I just get creative and add anything I can find. Liam is pretty picky and (for now) he still eats quinoa.

Message edited 5/13/2011 6:16:31 PM.

Re: How do you make Quinoa for your toddler/preschooler?

OMG i just made the best salad with it. Cooked in water, added yellow and orange peppers, little red onion, garlic and oil, cherry tomatoes sliced and a little of the asian sauce form TJ's, oh and black beans and corn...my son eats everything though!!!

Re: How do you make Quinoa for your toddler/preschooler?

I just tried it...sauteed onions and garlic in oil then add the seeds and browned them then covered with broth and now they are simmering.

WOW what a flavor they have!!! So nutty!! I love them.

Re: How do you make Quinoa for your toddler/preschooler?

I have made LEMON-HERB QUINOA WITH GREEN PEAS

http://www.newsday.com/lifestyle/columnists/marge-perry/3-simple-whole-grain-dishes-1.2840395

I have followed the recipe exactly and it was good ~ I also subbed the parm cheese for feta and it was better.

I also have used the Quinoa like an oatmeal ~ sprinkle a little raw sugar,cinnamon and raisins ~ my son loves it like this ~ very yummy!

Re: How do you make Quinoa for your toddler/preschooler?

I've made this recipe a few times and it is very yummy. Both my boys ate it, but they are both good eaters anyway.

http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Quinoa-with-Peas-and-Parmesan/Detail.aspx