Is Quinoa Gluten Free?

Quinoa is called a grain substitute, but not a grain at all.  It is really a seed.  The good news, it is definately gluten free.

Quinoa is a light grain with a light nutty flavor.  It can be found in most supermarkets in the pasta / rice sections.

Quinoa is very nutritious and can be used in place of rice.  Quinoa is a complete protein and supplies all nine essential amino acids.  It is high in lysine and is an excellent source of protein.

With Susanne on a spring cleaning expedition, and getting all of us fired up to get our spring cleaning done, I thought I would offer up a recipe that is easy, nutritious and delicious.  Hope you enjoy this.

                                Quinoa with Turkey and Spinach 

Ingredients: 

• 1 1/2 Cups Quinoa Grain
• 2 Cups Homemade Chicken Broth or (Gluten Free Store Bought)
• 1 Teaspoon ground Cumin
• 1 1/2 pounds Turkey Tenderloin
• 1/4 Teaspoon Salt
• 1 medium Onion diced
• 2 mild Green Chilies, stemmed, seeeded, and chopped*
• 1 Squash, halved lengthwise and sliced
• 2 Cups Fresh Spinach Leaves, roughly chopped
• 1 Red Bell Pepper, cored, seeded and sliced
• 1 Cup Salsa (salsa by nature should be gluten free, but check label for cross-contamination possiblities)

Directions: 

Adjust the oven temperature to 350 degrees.  Spray a cast iron Dutch oven with olive oil cooking spray, (not the kind with flour in it).  Pour the quinoa into the prepared pan.  Add the chicken broth and cumin and stir until the cumin is dissolved.  Place the turkey into the pan.  Sprinkle in the salt.  Add the onions and green chilies.  Layer the squash into the pan.  Spread the spinach leaves over the squash.  Scatter the bell pepper slices over the spinach.  Spread the salsa out evenly over the top.

Cover and bake 1 hour, or until the vegetables are fork tender.

*If you prefer a little more kick to your dish use jalapeno peppers indstead of the gree chilies.

Makes 4 servings.

Prep Time:  about 20 minutes

Baking Time:  About 1 hour

Total Time:  About 1 hour 30 minutes.

Nutritional Information:  (approximate values per serving)

Calories 402; Fat 11 g; Carbohydrates 56 g; Cholesterol 86 mg; Sodium 268 mg; Protein 14 g; Fiber 7 g.

I hope you enjoy this recipe.

Mary Blackburn has been gluten free since 1988 and is the owner of http://www.easyglutenfreeliving.com.  She invites you to visit her site for more gluten free living tips and recipes. 

While you're there, take a moment to sign up for The Gluten Free Gazette, her bi-weekly newsletter filled with articles and answers to your questions about gluten, gluten free living and celiac disease.