Quinoa (pronounced KEEN-wah) is a hot food trend but it is truly an ancient food. Considered the “mother grain” of the Incan civilization in the Andes Mountains of South America, quinoa has become popular here in the Midwestern USA for several reasons.

 Super seed

Actually a seed, but nutritionally thought of as a whole grain, quinoa offers excellent nutritional value reflected in its NuValtm score of 91.

Set apart from the rest of the whole-grain crowd by its slightly higher protein content, quinoa also offers fiber and nutrients such as magnesium and iron.

This seed is naturally gluten-free and therefore a nutrient-rich grain for those needing to avoid wheat and gluten due to celiac sprue, wheat allergies or gluten sensitivity.

 Autumn color

Different varieties of quinoa are available in different naturally occurring colors, such as white, black and red. The range of colors is simply different varieties of quinoa with different hues.

Quinoa is also available ground into flour to use in baking, blended into pastas or added to various convenience items in the HealthMarket section of your neighborhood Hy-Vee store.

Quick cook

Quinoa is quick to cook; just treat it the same as rice. Add 1 cup quinoa to 2 cups boiling water or low-sodium broth. Cover and simmer until the water is absorbed and quinoa is tender. Fluff with a fork and you are ready to use in any recipe.

Quinoa works well in hearty dishes that fall brings back to our tables.

Serve chili over cooked quinoa, or use quinoa in place of rice in comfort-food casseroles for a welcome twist on your family’s favorites.

Also try quinoa in place of the bread in your favorite stuffing recipe.

Quinoa’s slightly nutty flavor and delicately crunchy texture are also a great partner for fresh fall produce, including apples, pears, squash, tomatoes, black beans and corn.

Not only can quinoa be a delicious side dish, but you can turn it into a main entrée by just adding some protein.  Think of a taco salad layered with lettuce, tomatoes, corn and black beans.

But instead of using all ground beef or chicken for the taco protein, use half the needed amount and combine with cooked quinoa.

Pear-quinoa salad

Serves 6 (about 3/4 cup each)

Active time: 20 minutes   Total time: 40 minutes

 All you need

•1 (14 ounce) can reduced-sodium chicken broth or vegetable broth

•1 cup quinoa, rinsed if necessary

•2 tbsp walnut oil or Hy-Vee canola oil

•1 tbsp fruity vinegar, such as pear, raspberry or pomegranate

•1⁄4 cup snipped fresh chives

•1⁄4 tsp salt

•1⁄4 tsp Hy-Vee freshly ground pepper

•2 ripe but firm pears, diced

•1⁄2 cup coarsely chopped Hy-Vee walnuts or Hy-Vee pecans, toasted

All you do

1. Bring broth to a boil in a large saucepan. Stir in quinoa, reduce heat to maintain a simmer, cover and cook until the liquid is absorbed and the quinoa has popped, about 15 minutes.

2. Meanwhile, whisk oil, vinegar, chives, salt and pepper in a large bowl. Add pears and toss to coat.

3. Drain any excess liquid from the cooked quinoa, if necessary. Add the quinoa to the pear mixture; toss to combine. Transfer to the refrigerator to cool for about 15 minutes or serve warm. Serve topped with nuts.

Nutrition facts per serving: 246 calories; 13g fat (1g sat, 2g mono); 0mg cholesterol; 28g carbohydrate; 0g added sugars; 7g protein; 4g fiber; 253mg sodium; 332mg potassium.

Nutrition bonus: Magnesium (20% daily value), Folate (18% dv).

Source: adapted from Eating Well, Inc.