Quinoa Cauliflower Mash

Quinoa is pronounced 'keen-wa'

Patricia Green and Carolyn Hemming, authors of "The Everyday Superfood," describe quinoa as "one of the world's healthiest foods." Quinoa contains all of the essential amino acids, making it an ideal protein source for vegetarians who typically need to eat a wide variety of protein foods to get all of the amino acids found in animal protein. Quinoa is gluten-free and can be used as a protein-rich substitute for wheat, rye and barley.

The Glycemic Index is a ranking system that assigns a number to foods that contain carbohydrates, depending on how quickly they release glucose into the bloodstream. Foods with a high rank are usually not suitable for diabetes sufferers because they cause spikes in blood sugar. Low-GI ranking foods don't adversely affect blood glucose levels; they support weight loss and reduce the risk of heart disease, according to the Glycemic Index website. Quinoa is a low-ranking food on the Glycemic Index.

I am going to double check with Dr. Aziz, since he didn't address quinoa specifically in his book, but for right now, I am going to say sorry all you Stage 1 peeps, this recipe is Stages 2/3 only, but hey, you only have to wait a few weeks until you can try this.  AND YOU MUST TRY THIS!  This is freaking delicious, I could not stop eating it and the Kid was head over heels for it.  Be warned, this makes a big ole' pot full so you'll have a lot to eat.  Haven't tried freezing it and reheating it yet so I'll have to let you know about that.  If there's any left by the time I get home...

I served this with a big pat of butter.  It made a great side dish to Greekloaf.

Quinoa Cauliflower Mash

makes 8+ servings

1 cup chopped onion

1 tablespoon olive oil

2 cups dry quinoa, uncooked and rinsed

1/2 tsp salt

4 cups chopped fresh cauliflower (about 1/2 of a large head)

4 cups water (or broth if you prefer)

Seasonings:  salt, pepper or garlic salt

In large pot, on medium heat, stir in onion and oil and cook for about 1 minute.

To the oil mixture, add quinoa. Cook and stir for 5 minutes.

To the quinoa, add salt, cauliflower, and water or broth.

Stir and bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and cover pot.  Simmer until all the liquid has absorbed, about 15-20 minutes.

Remove from heat and mash mixture together with a potato masher.

Taste and add seasonings as you prefer.   A touch of garlic salt was just right on this.

Greekloaf and Quinoa Cauliflower Mash, all warm and cuddly on the plate...