Cooking by Hand: Creations with Superfoods and Quinoa

Cooking by Hand

Creations with Superfoods and Quinoa

Susan Anderson

Copyright © 2013 Susan Anderson

All rights reserved.

Introduction

The two sections in this cookbook cover two diets that are very similar, the Quinoa Diet and the Superfoods Diet. High in nutrients, each diet works with the body in correcting issues and helping to make the immune system work at its optimum. One of the side benefits of these diets are helping the body to maintain a good weight level. While the focus may not necessarily be on weight loss, weight loss, if obesity or being overweight is an issue, will be corrected. The focus of these two diets is in setting the body up to be as healthy as possible.

Quinoa is a plant closely kin to the spinach and beet family. It is not a grain like wheat, but it reacts much like buckwheat, in the ability to grind it to a fine flour and to use in place of wheat flour. It can also be used in place of meat and as a substitution for soybeans and any meat product. Quinoa has been consumed by humans for multi-thousands of years, originally used as a medicine plant, and now used as a food plant.

Quinoa has many excellent health benefits. The ancient Inca civilization used the plant for medicinal purposes. They found it has great anti-inflammatory properties. It also facilitates good weight loss if being overweight is an issue. It contains a high level of amino acids, which are highly nutritious for the body. The food gives the body energy, enough energy to get up and move around to help the body stay fit.

Quinoa has medicinal qualities that aid the body in being an anti-inflammatory. This helps to treat many different health ailments. Inflammation is one of the detrimental symptoms of many physical ailments. When the tissues in the cells become inflamed it causes pain and it causes the swollen parts not to work, as it should. By helping the body to stay normal, the body has less pain and fewer symptoms from ailments that cause inflammation.

Vegans and vegetarians alike enjoy adding quinoa to their diets. Quinoa is a great meat substitute, giving the body the amino acids needed to have energy and be strong and healthy. Some of the vegan recipes include Quinoa and Black Beans, Quinoa Gnocchi Potato Salad, Quinoa Chili, Lemon and Spinach Quinoa Bake, Quinoa Salad with Black and White Beans and a Tropical Breakfast Quinoa.

Quinoa goes well with chicken, which is a popular healthy protein. Quinoa is versatile in taste and goes well with many different foods and flavors. Try the Yummy Chicken Burritos, Greek Pita, Quinoa and Beans, Mexican Fiesta and the spicy Quinoa Stir Fry.

Quinoa also goes with beef, enhancing the flavor and adding valuable nutrients to the main dish meals. Three recipes are included in the book using quinoa with beef specifically. Try the Beef Stir Fry with Quinoa, Leek Tomato Quinoa, and the Grilled Beef Tenderloin with Leek Tomato Quinoa and Roasted Garlic Sauce.

Quinoa is also excellent when paired with seafood. If you have the best seafood, you have a protein that is high in nutrients like omega 3. This cookbook contains quinoa recipes paired with salmon, fish, and shrimp. Try the Mediterranean Seafood Salad with Quinoa, Salmon Quinoa Cakes, Quinoa with Roasted Fish and Veggies, and the Shrimp and Quinoa Croquettes with Sauce.

Even pork and lamb goes well with quinoa. Not everyone eats pork, but if you find good lean cuts you can enjoy a pork recipe with quinoa and have a healthy meal. Try the Pork Fried Quinoa, this recipe goes well with lamb too. Also, try the Pork Tenderloin with Quinoa Pilaf, Pork Quinoa Soup and the Quinoa and Ham Omelets.

The Superfoods diet section contains many recipes to have over a month's worth of menu planning. These foods are considered super because of the high levels of nutrients contained within and how they work with the body in helping to boost the immune system. Being on a diet of superfoods sets us up to be healthier than we would on a junk food diet. This diet makes for a great lifestyle change if we stick with it.

The main dish section contains over a month's worth of main entrees without having to fix the same dish twice. Main dish recipes include Pinto Bean Tacos, Salmon with Lemon Butter Sauce, Brown Rice Bowl with Shrimp and Broccoli, Cauliflower and Chickpea Curry, Sardine Sandwiches and Sesame Noodles with Vegetables. Also, check out the Spinach and Cheese Bread Pudding, Stuffed Onions and the Tomato and Cheese Tart.

Other good recipes to try are the Easy Caramelized Onion Pizza, Broiled Salmon with Green Beans, Baked Beets, Chickpeas and Mustard Greens with a Balsamic Glaze, Cabbage Rolls, and a Spicy Beef Soup. Try also the Slow Cooker Beef and Sweet Potato Curry, Steak with Roast Vegetables, Rigatoni with Walnuts, Italian Sausage and Broccoli Rabe and the Bean and Barley Vegetable Soup.

No recipes are complete without a good selection of side dishes and appetizers. The superfoods section has a good choice in pairing these with the main dishes to give the meals a good variety. Try the Roasted Eggplant Salad, Broccoli with Bell Peppers, Chickpea and Sweet Potato Dip and the Pumpkin and Flax Seed Dip. Also try the Roasted Brussels Sprouts, Bagna Cauda, and the Quinoa Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette.

Superfoods are even good to have for breakfast, which is supposed to be one of the most important meals of the day. Enjoy delicious Blueberry Walnut Muffins, Oatmeal Blueberry Pancakes, and the Apple Flax Seed Muffins.

Either of these two diet plans are excellent for just about everyone. Who does not need a good running start with beefing up the immune system? If our immune systems are strong, we are able to hold off on illnesses and can live longer and healthier lives as a