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Though the name might seem difficult to pronounce, quinoa (pronounced KEEN-wah) is far from difficult to enjoy. Easy to prepare, easy to digest, and nutrient dense, quinoa is a simple, practical, and straightforward choice for everyone. The superfood has earned its place alongside hall-of-fame staples like kale, brown rice and broccoli. Quinoa's taste and texture will not disappoint: it is fluffy and lightweight with a nutty crunchiness that is perfect for salads or lightly cooked vegetables.
The Solution for Carb Cravings
Quinoa Plant (Chenopodium quinoa)
Quinoa can help curb carb cravings and help you maintain a healthy weight. Often, carbohydrate and sugar cravings are protein cravings in disguise. If you crave carbs, make quinoa your first choice. Quinoa provides the satisfaction of carbohydrates, but also feeds your hidden protein craving.
Superfood for Vegetarians
Quinoa offers a compelling array of health benefits. It contains more protein (14% by mass) and fat than most grains which makes it an excellent alternative to white rice or refined carbohydrates, especially for vegetarians. Even NASA recognizes quinoa's haloed health status, proposing quinoa as the perfect food to take on extended space flights. It is no wonder that prices have tripled since 2006!
Nourishing After Illness
The simple and satisfying "pseduo-grain" known is especially attractive for those with weak digestion or recovering from illness. It is high in fiber, soothing to the digestive tract, and slightly cooling, relieving inflammatory conditions. Plus it is free of gluten, a common allergen found in wheat and other grains, which contributes to its digestibility and increasing popularity.
Blood Building
Quinoa is rich in iron, and restores strength to deficient blood. It contains more calcium than milk, and is rich in magnesium, phosphorus, strengthening kidney yang. Magnesium relaxes and nourishes the heart and muscles, while it promotes heart function.
About Quinoa
This extremely nutritious pseudo-grain was originally cultivated on the high plains of the South American Andes Mountains. Although the wide variety of health benefits is just beginning to be studied and appreciated by modern western countries, the ancient Incan empire revered the grain as sacred and honored it with the name chisaya mama or "mother of all grains". Actually, quinoa is a seed-like pseudo-grain, and is related to beets and chard. Because it is not a member of the grass family, it is even considered appropriate during Passover, when traditional grains are forbidden.
Recipes with Quinoa: Quinoa, Walnut & Date Warm Cereal
Buying & Preparation
There are many varieties of quinoa grown, but the most commonly available are white and red. Consider the white variety for a lighter, fluffier, and faster cooking alternative to brown rice. The red variety has a heartier feel, and slightly more pronounced flavor. It is delightful as a side dish to salmon or poultry dishes, and with summer vegetables, such as zucchinis and kale.
Soak for five minutes then strain before cooking in order to remove any residual bitter tasting saponins. Then prepare it just like rice--except it takes a fraction of the time! Combine two cups of filtered water for every cup of quinoa, cover and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and continue to cook covered for 15 minutes or until water is absorbed. When it is cooked, the outer germ surrounding the seed breaks open and tiny white coils appear. Remove from heat and let stand for five minutes, then fluff with a fork.
It is important not to overcook quinoa, as it will become soft and mushy. To add flavor before cooking, roast rinsed quinoa in a saucepan over low heat until all the water has evaporated and the grains emit a faint, roasted aroma. Quinoa may also be ground into flour, and is used to make gluten-free quinoa pasta. Because the coil of the quinoa gives it its own crunch, it complements crunchy food well. Quinoa goes well with chopped celery, raw onion, fresh parsley, fresh mint, or raw bell peppers. Its neutral flavor will never distract from added fresh herbs and spices.
Cooking Quinoa
Quinoa tabbouleh is just one example of the adaptability of this resourceful superfood. Try mixing quinoa into your favorite bean salad, pairing it with sliced avocado and crunchy bell peppers, or as a rice substitute with parboiled broccoli or kale. Quinoa is as versatile throughout the day as it is through the seasons. Take quinoa, warm milk or your favorite milk substitute; add a dash of cinnamon, a handful of sunflower seeds or almonds, and raisins or dried fruit for a warm breakfast cereal or a sweet afternoon snack. For patients recovering from illness, simple quinoa porridge helps revitalize and rejuvenate.
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Find out by taking this free, easy quiz.
You'll learn your body type, and whether 'Quinoa' is a good fit.
Complete the basic quiz in 1 minute, or go deeper with additional quizzes at your own leisure to learn more about your body.
AYURVEDA'S GUIDE TO VITALITY & WHOLESOME NOURISHMENT
Your Ayurvedic diet is tailored to your individual body and your specific imbalances.
With an Ayurvedic diet you feel joy and satisfaction because what you are eating truly nourishes and balances you.
Disease results from diets and lifestyles that are incompatible with your nature.
By eating a personalized diet matched to your body, you experience optimal health.
See How it Works.
Functional Ayurveda helps you assess imbalances through 20 main biocharacteristics
(gunas).
Aggravating these characteristics weakens your body and causes imbalance.
By knowing which characteristics are habitually imbalanced in your body, you will be able to identify and correct imbalances before you get sick.
Every characteristic has an opposite which balances it (i.e. hot balances cold).
You restore balance by favoring diet and lifestyle choices that increase the opposite characteristic.
Taste is used to sense the most basic properties and effects of food.
Each taste has a specific medicinal effect on your body.
Cravings for food with certain tastes indicate your body is craving specific medicinal results from food.
Taste is experienced on the tongue and represents your body's reaction to foods.
Sweet taste causes physical satisfaction and attraction whereas bitter taste causes discomfort and aversion.
Kapha should use less sweet taste while Vata and Pitta would benefit from using more sweet taste.
One of the first signs of illness is that your taste and appetite for food changes.
The six tastes are sweet, sour, salty, pungent, bitter, and astringent.
Do you crave foods with any of the tastes below?
According to the biocharacteristic theory of medicine,
people tend to get sick, over and over again, due to habitual causes and imbalances that are unique to the person.
Your body type summarizes this tendency, showing you the 'type' of conditions and imbalances that frequently challenge your health & wellness.
Using body type, you can also identify remedies likely to improve your strength and resiliency.
Your body type identifies physical and mental characteristics as well as your personal strengths and weaknesses.
The calculation of your body type is based on your medical history.
The 3 functional body types
(doshas),
are Catabolic (Vata), Metabolic (Pitta), and Anabolic (Kapha).
Catabolic individuals tend to break down body mass into energy. They are easily stimulated, hyperactive, underweight and dry.
Metabolic individuals tend to burn or use energy. They tend to be rosy-cheeked, easily irritated, focused, driven, and easily inflamed.
Anabolic individuals tend to store energy as body mass. If they store too much energy, they could gain weight easily and have congestion. Anabolic people tend to be stable and grounded.
Medicinal Benefits, Uses & Herbal Actions of Quinoa
Experiences are Personal
Experiences vary according to the person and constitution. Individual results may vary.
The list of herbal-actions below has not be approved by the FDA and should not be used to treat a medical condition.
A tonic herb restores function through strengthening tissue. This can happen through a combination of nourishing the tissue, and invigorating tissue metabolism. The tonic should not be withering, as in caffeine.
MILD BLOOD-TONIC
An herb that produces more blood cells in the body, or otherwise improves blood cell quality or hemoglobin content. Helpful for anemia and other types of deficiency.
STRONG BETAINE
Used to reduce homocysteine in the blood, which supports proper liver function and prevents fatigue and blood clots. Improves muscle stamina and weight loss.
Phytates prevent absorption of nutrients. They are commonly found in all seeds, including nuts, grains, and beans. Sprouting greatly reduces phytate content, as well as long, slow cooking with vinegar.
In each clinical research trial below, students from the
Joyful Belly School of Ayurveda ate the selected food for 3 days and reported the pharmacological effects.
See other clinical research trials for diet & herbs at Joyful Belly.
TEMPERATURE/CIRCULATION
How did Quinoa affect your temperature?
0
6
15
5
0
Much colder
Slightly colder
Same
Slightly warmer
Much warmer
Total Responses: 26 Study ID:142 (2022-05-27 - 2023-06-12)
How did Quinoa affect your ear temperature?
0
24
2
Hotter
No Change
Cooler
Total Responses: 26 Study ID:142 (2022-05-27 - 2023-06-12)
How did Quinoa affect your sweat quantity?
1
2
20
3
0
Much less
Slightly less
Same
Slightly more
Much more
Total Responses: 26 Study ID:142 (2022-05-27 - 2023-06-12)
How did Quinoa affect the color of your skin?
0
3
1
0
22
Yellower/Greener
Paler
Redder
Grayer
No Change
Total Responses: 26 Study ID:142 (2022-05-27 - 2023-06-12)
How did Quinoa affect the color of your tongue body?
3
1
0
22
Paler
Redder
Bluer
No Change
Total Responses: 26 Study ID:142 (2022-05-27 - 2023-06-12)
How did Quinoa affect the swelling of your tongue body?
2
4
20
More Swelling
Less Swelling
No Change
Total Responses: 26 Study ID:142 (2022-05-27 - 2023-06-12)
How did Quinoa affect your appetite/hunger?
4
11
7
4
0
Much less hungry
Slightly less hungry
Same
Slightly hungrier
Much hungrier
Total Responses: 26 Study ID:142 (2022-05-27 - 2023-06-12)
How did Quinoa affect your digestion speed?
1
8
14
3
0
Much faster
Slightly faster
Same
Slightly slower
Much slower
Total Responses: 26 Study ID:142 (2022-05-27 - 2023-06-12)
TOXINS
How did Quinoa affect the amount of gas & bloating?
3
8
13
2
0
Much less
Slightly less
Same
Slightly more
Much more
Total Responses: 26 Study ID:142 (2022-05-27 - 2023-06-12)
How did Quinoa affect your stool smell?
0
3
21
2
0
Much less
Slightly less
Same
Slightly more
Much more
Total Responses: 26 Study ID:142 (2022-05-27 - 2023-06-12)
How did Quinoa affect the thickness & size of your tongue coating?
2
8
16
0
0
Much smaller
Slightly less
Same
Slightly larger coating
Much larger
Total Responses: 26 Study ID:142 (2022-05-27 - 2023-06-12)
How did Quinoa affect the color of your tongue coating?
0
1
2
3
20
Yellower
Browner
Grayer
Whiter
No Change
Total Responses: 26 Study ID:142 (2022-05-27 - 2023-06-12)
How did Quinoa affect your throat soreness?
0
21
5
More sore
No Change
Less sore
Total Responses: 26 Study ID:142 (2022-05-27 - 2023-06-12)
How did Quinoa affect your urine smell?
0
3
21
2
0
Much less
Slightly less
Same
Slightly more
Much more
Total Responses: 26 Study ID:142 (2022-05-27 - 2023-06-12)
How did Quinoa affect the amount of bubbles in your urine?
0
3
23
0
0
Much less
Slightly less
Same
Slightly more
Many more
Total Responses: 26 Study ID:142 (2022-05-27 - 2023-06-12)
How did Quinoa affect your sweat smell?
0
3
22
1
0
Much less
Slightly less
Same
Slightly more
Much more
Total Responses: 26 Study ID:142 (2022-05-27 - 2023-06-12)
How did Quinoa affect your acne?
0
25
1
More acne
No Change
Less acne
Total Responses: 26 Study ID:142 (2022-05-27 - 2023-06-12)
How did Quinoa affect your freckles/moles?
0
26
0
Darker
No Change
Lighter
Total Responses: 26 Study ID:142 (2022-05-27 - 2023-06-12)
How did Quinoa affect the color of your sclera (white part of eye)?
0
0
0
0
4
Redder/Bloodshot
Yellower
Grayer
Browner
Whiter
22
No Change
Total Responses: 26 Study ID:142 (2022-05-27 - 2023-06-12)
How did Quinoa affect the color of the lower eye lid?
0
0
25
1
More green/dark green
More purple
No Change
Less green/purple
Total Responses: 26 Study ID:142 (2022-05-27 - 2023-06-12)
HYDRATION
How did Quinoa affect your urine frequency/quantity?
0
1
21
4
0
Much less
Slightly less
Same
Slightly more
Much more
Total Responses: 26 Study ID:142 (2022-05-27 - 2023-06-12)
How did Quinoa affect the dryness of your skin?
3
1
22
Drier
Oilier
No Change
Total Responses: 26 Study ID:142 (2022-05-27 - 2023-06-12)
How did Quinoa affect the puffiness of lower eye lid?
0
23
3
Puffier
No Change
Less Puffy
Total Responses: 26 Study ID:142 (2022-05-27 - 2023-06-12)
How did Quinoa affect the cracks on your tongue?
0
3
17
4
2
Larger/longer/more cracks
Slightly more
Same
Slightly less/smaller/shorter
Much less
Total Responses: 26 Study ID:142 (2022-05-27 - 2023-06-12)
FLUID-THICKNESS
How did Quinoa affect your ear pressure?
0
24
2
More pressure
No Change
Less pressure
Total Responses: 26 Study ID:142 (2022-05-27 - 2023-06-12)
How did Quinoa affect your congestion?
3
13
10
More congestion
No Change
Less congestion
Total Responses: 26 Study ID:142 (2022-05-27 - 2023-06-12)
How did Quinoa affect the thickness of your mucous congestion?
3
16
7
More thick
No Change
Less thick
Total Responses: 26 Study ID:142 (2022-05-27 - 2023-06-12)
NERVOUS-SYSTEM
How did Quinoa affect your energy levels?
0
0
8
15
3
Much less energy
Slightly less
Same
Slightly more energy
Much more
Total Responses: 26 Study ID:142 (2022-05-27 - 2023-06-12)
How did Quinoa affect your muscle tension?
0
6
16
4
0
Much less tension
Slightly less
Same
Slightly more tension
Much more
Total Responses: 26 Study ID:142 (2022-05-27 - 2023-06-12)
How did Quinoa affect your anxiety?
1
8
15
2
0
Much less anxiety
Slightly less
Same
Slightly more anxiety
Much more
Total Responses: 26 Study ID:142 (2022-05-27 - 2023-06-12)
How did Quinoa affect the stillness of your tongue?
7
19
0
More still
No Change
More Trembling / Jittery
Total Responses: 26 Study ID:142 (2022-05-27 - 2023-06-12)
DIGESTION
How did Quinoa affect the amount of gas & bloating?
3
8
13
2
0
Much less
Slightly less
Same
Slightly more
Much more
Total Responses: 26 Study ID:142 (2022-05-27 - 2023-06-12)
How did Quinoa affect your appetite/hunger?
4
11
7
4
0
Much less hungry
Slightly less hungry
Same
Slightly hungrier
Much hungrier
Total Responses: 26 Study ID:142 (2022-05-27 - 2023-06-12)
How did Quinoa affect burning sensations in digestive tract (do not include acid reflux)?
2
4
20
0
0
Much relief
Slight relief
Same
Slightly more burning
Much more burning
Total Responses: 26 Study ID:142 (2022-05-27 - 2023-06-12)
How did Quinoa affect your digestion speed?
1
8
14
3
0
Much faster
Slightly faster
Same
Slightly slower
Much slower
Total Responses: 26 Study ID:142 (2022-05-27 - 2023-06-12)
TONGUE
How did Quinoa affect the stillness of your tongue?
7
19
0
More still
No Change
More Trembling / Jittery
Total Responses: 26 Study ID:142 (2022-05-27 - 2023-06-12)
How did Quinoa affect the thickness & size of your tongue coating?
2
8
16
0
0
Much smaller
Slightly less
Same
Slightly larger coating
Much larger
Total Responses: 26 Study ID:142 (2022-05-27 - 2023-06-12)
How did Quinoa affect the cracks on your tongue?
0
3
17
4
2
Larger/longer/more cracks
Slightly more
Same
Slightly less/smaller/shorter
Much less
Total Responses: 26 Study ID:142 (2022-05-27 - 2023-06-12)
How did Quinoa affect the color of your tongue body?
3
1
0
22
Paler
Redder
Bluer
No Change
Total Responses: 26 Study ID:142 (2022-05-27 - 2023-06-12)
How did Quinoa affect the color of your tongue coating?
0
1
2
3
20
Yellower
Browner
Grayer
Whiter
No Change
Total Responses: 26 Study ID:142 (2022-05-27 - 2023-06-12)
How did Quinoa affect the swelling of your tongue body?
2
4
20
More Swelling
Less Swelling
No Change
Total Responses: 26 Study ID:142 (2022-05-27 - 2023-06-12)
STOOL
How did Quinoa affect your stool smell?
0
3
21
2
0
Much less
Slightly less
Same
Slightly more
Much more
Total Responses: 26 Study ID:142 (2022-05-27 - 2023-06-12)
How did Quinoa affect your stool consistency?
0
6
13
7
0
Much softer
Slightly softer
Same
Slightly harder
Much harder
Total Responses: 26 Study ID:142 (2022-05-27 - 2023-06-12)
How did Quinoa affect your stool frequency/quantity?
1
2
16
7
0
Much less
Slightly less
Same
Slightly more
Much more
Total Responses: 26 Study ID:142 (2022-05-27 - 2023-06-12)
How did Quinoa affect your stool color?
0
1
3
0
22
More yellow
More gray
More green
More orange
Same
Total Responses: 26 Study ID:142 (2022-05-27 - 2023-06-12)
How did Quinoa affect your stool lightness?
0
10
13
3
0
Much lighter
Slightly lighter
Same
Slightly darker
Much darker
Total Responses: 26 Study ID:142 (2022-05-27 - 2023-06-12)
URINE
How did Quinoa affect your urine smell?
0
3
21
2
0
Much less
Slightly less
Same
Slightly more
Much more
Total Responses: 26 Study ID:142 (2022-05-27 - 2023-06-12)
How did Quinoa affect your urine lightness?
0
5
21
0
0
Much lighter
Slightly lighter
Same
Slightly Darker
Much Darker
Total Responses: 26 Study ID:142 (2022-05-27 - 2023-06-12)
How did Quinoa affect your urine frequency/quantity?
0
1
21
4
0
Much less
Slightly less
Same
Slightly more
Much more
Total Responses: 26 Study ID:142 (2022-05-27 - 2023-06-12)
How did Quinoa affect the amount of bubbles in your urine?
0
3
23
0
0
Much less
Slightly less
Same
Slightly more
Many more
Total Responses: 26 Study ID:142 (2022-05-27 - 2023-06-12)
How did Quinoa affect your urine clarity?
0
21
5
More cloudy
Same
More clear
Total Responses: 26 Study ID:142 (2022-05-27 - 2023-06-12)
SWEAT
How did Quinoa affect your sweat smell?
0
3
22
1
0
Much less
Slightly less
Same
Slightly more
Much more
Total Responses: 26 Study ID:142 (2022-05-27 - 2023-06-12)
How did Quinoa affect your sweat quantity?
1
2
20
3
0
Much less
Slightly less
Same
Slightly more
Much more
Total Responses: 26 Study ID:142 (2022-05-27 - 2023-06-12)
SKIN
How did Quinoa affect the dryness of your skin?
3
1
22
Drier
Oilier
No Change
Total Responses: 26 Study ID:142 (2022-05-27 - 2023-06-12)
How did Quinoa affect the color of your skin?
0
3
1
0
22
Yellower/Greener
Paler
Redder
Grayer
No Change
Total Responses: 26 Study ID:142 (2022-05-27 - 2023-06-12)
How did Quinoa affect your freckles/moles?
0
26
0
Darker
No Change
Lighter
Total Responses: 26 Study ID:142 (2022-05-27 - 2023-06-12)
How did Quinoa affect your acne?
0
25
1
More acne
No Change
Less acne
Total Responses: 26 Study ID:142 (2022-05-27 - 2023-06-12)
EYE
How did Quinoa affect the color of the lower eye lid?
0
0
25
1
More green/dark green
More purple
No Change
Less green/purple
Total Responses: 26 Study ID:142 (2022-05-27 - 2023-06-12)
How did Quinoa affect the puffiness of lower eye lid?
0
23
3
Puffier
No Change
Less Puffy
Total Responses: 26 Study ID:142 (2022-05-27 - 2023-06-12)
How did Quinoa affect the color of your sclera (white part of eye)?
0
0
0
0
4
Redder/Bloodshot
Yellower
Grayer
Browner
Whiter
22
No Change
Total Responses: 26 Study ID:142 (2022-05-27 - 2023-06-12)
ENT
How did Quinoa affect your congestion?
3
13
10
More congestion
No Change
Less congestion
Total Responses: 26 Study ID:142 (2022-05-27 - 2023-06-12)
How did Quinoa affect your ear pressure?
0
24
2
More pressure
No Change
Less pressure
Total Responses: 26 Study ID:142 (2022-05-27 - 2023-06-12)
How did Quinoa affect your throat soreness?
0
21
5
More sore
No Change
Less sore
Total Responses: 26 Study ID:142 (2022-05-27 - 2023-06-12)
How did Quinoa affect the thickness of your mucous congestion?
3
16
7
More thick
No Change
Less thick
Total Responses: 26 Study ID:142 (2022-05-27 - 2023-06-12)
How did Quinoa affect your ear temperature?
0
24
2
Hotter
No Change
Cooler
Total Responses: 26 Study ID:142 (2022-05-27 - 2023-06-12)
SYSTEMIC
How did Quinoa affect your anxiety?
1
8
15
2
0
Much less anxiety
Slightly less
Same
Slightly more anxiety
Much more
Total Responses: 26 Study ID:142 (2022-05-27 - 2023-06-12)
How did Quinoa affect your temperature?
0
6
15
5
0
Much colder
Slightly colder
Same
Slightly warmer
Much warmer
Total Responses: 26 Study ID:142 (2022-05-27 - 2023-06-12)
How did Quinoa affect your energy levels?
0
0
8
15
3
Much less energy
Slightly less
Same
Slightly more energy
Much more
Total Responses: 26 Study ID:142 (2022-05-27 - 2023-06-12)
How did Quinoa affect your muscle tension?
0
6
16
4
0
Much less tension
Slightly less
Same
Slightly more tension
Much more
Total Responses: 26 Study ID:142 (2022-05-27 - 2023-06-12)
HEART
How did Quinoa affect your heart pain/pressure/cramping?
0
1
24
1
0
Much less
Slightly less
Same
Slightly more
Much more
Total Responses: 26 Study ID:142 (2022-05-27 - 2023-06-12)
How did Quinoa affect your heart rate?
0
5
20
1
0
Much slower
Slightly slower
Same
Slightly faster
Much faster
Total Responses: 26 Study ID:142 (2022-05-27 - 2023-06-12)
How did Quinoa affect your heart rhythm?
0
23
3
More palpitations
Same
Less palpitations
Total Responses: 26 Study ID:142 (2022-05-27 - 2023-06-12)
Quinoa may be beneficial for these symptoms. The suitability of any food for a condition is highly dependent on the individual.
Please see your doctor before using this food to treat a medical condition.
Eating Ayurvedically makes you feel nourished and energized. Food digests with ease when
right for your body type (dosha). Healthy digestion is seen as the cornerstone of well-being in
Ayurveda. Healthy digestion generally prevents illness. If you do get sick, a strong digestive fire
reduces the severity of illness and increases your resilience. It also improves your mood. Once
you begin eating Ayurvedically, you will feel refreshed, vital and strong.
Give smart recommendations to your clients and improve efficiency in your clinic with these tools.
About the Author
John Immel, the founder of Joyful Belly, teaches people how to have a
healthy diet and lifestyle with Ayurveda biocharacteristics.
His approach to Ayurveda is clinical, yet exudes an ease which many find enjoyable and insightful.
John also directs Joyful Belly's School of Ayurveda,
offering professional clinical training in Ayurveda for over 15 years.
John's interest in Ayurveda and specialization in digestive tract pathology was inspired by a complex digestive disorder acquired from years of international travel,
as well as public service work in South Asia.
John's commitment to the detailed study of digestive disorders reflects his zeal to get down to the roots of the problem.
His hope and belief in the capacity of each & every client to improve their quality of life is nothing short of a personal passion.
John's creativity in the kitchen and delight in cooking for others comes from his family oriented upbringing.
In addition to his certification in Ayurveda, John holds a bachelor's degree in mathematics from Harvard University.
John enjoys sharing Ayurveda within the context of his Catholic roots,
and finds Ayurveda gives him an opportunity to participate in the healing mission of the Church.
Jesus expressed God's love by feeding and healing the sick.
That kindness is the fundamental ministry of Ayurveda as well.
Outside of work, John enjoys spending time with his wife and 7 kids, and pursuing his love of theology, philosophy, and language.
I've read mixed charts on quinoa. Some say they're not good for Vata and Pitta, and others say good for Vata but not Pitta. Does it just depend on if it's rinsed or not?
I am Pitta and I use quinoa in tabbouleh to replace bulgur wheat. Also use organic quinoa flakes as my breakfast cereal, sometimes simply heating 1 cup almond or coconut milk on medium heat to a boil then adding 1/3 cup flakes and stirring for 30 seconds, taking off heat for 4 mins until thickened and sweetening with maple syrup (also good for Pitta).
I also use quinoa flakesto thicken soups, coating whatever I bake and using in patties instead of rolled oats. It is so versatile!
Switching to quinoa has lessened my ravenous hunger and I find Food cravings have lessened. The added bonus is that I have lost a lot of belly fat.
I have read in other Ayerveda books that Quinoa is not good for Pitta because it is pungent and heating. But it is the only grain I digest well. I am a little confused. How are food qualities determined and why are there so many different lists out there?
Mag - I think people have different opinions on the energetics of foods because they often use their own bodies to discover the qualities of a food, and each body reacts differently to a food based on the qualities. So, for a strongly pitta person, quinoa might feel pungent because pitta people are already "pungent" but it might not feel that way to another person.
But, if you are having trouble digesting grains, then you may have an underlying digestive balance and working with a practitioner may help you discover what is really going on below the surface. It also is a seed, not a grain, so that may be why you digest it well!
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