Gluten free seed, quinoa is becoming an immensely popular food due to its tremendous nutritional content:
- 9 essential amino acids, making quinoa a complete protein
- Twice as much dietary fiber as other grains, supporting a healthy digestive system
- Minerals: phosphorous (important for bone formation, kidney health, and muscle strength) magnesium (regulates blood pressure) and iron (helps deliver oxygen-rich blood cells throughout the body).
Asparagus is a very low calorie vegetable, rich in various vitamins, fiber and minerals, being a powerful part of a balanced diet.
- Excellent source of Vitamin A and other antioxidants (good for skin, and eyes)
- Rich in dietary fibers (helps with digestion, weight loss and cholesterol)
- The spears have anti-inflammatory properties (lower the risk of heart diseases)
- Contains Vitamin K (important for blood clotting and bones)
- Rich in folic acid (recommended during pregnancy)
- Excellent source of iron
- Contains magnesium and potassium (eases muscle cramps)
Ingredients:
1 cup of quinoa seed, fresh mint, 2 tbsp of olive oil, 1 tbsp of apple cider vinegar, ½ tbsp of lemon juice, 2 crushed garlic, salt, pepper, 1 bunch of asparagus and roasted walnuts.
Directions:
In a rice cooker or a medium saucepan, cook 1 cup of quinoa with 1 cup of water like rice.
In a large bowl, prepare the dressing by mixing well all together: olive oil, apple cider vinegar, lemon juice, garlic, fresh mint, walnuts, salt and pepper.
When the quinoa is cooked and the water is absorbed, toss it well in a bowl with the dressing and let it cool off in room temperature.
Rinse asparagus under cold water, snap off the hard ends and put them in a pan of salted boiling water until tender about 5’.
In a wide bowl, put the quinoa then asparagus on top and drizzle with olive oil.
Note: The cooking water of asparagus could be added to homemade soups or sauces.
Ayurveda Concepts :
In Ayurveda asparagus is used in pitta and vatha pacifying conditions . Fresh mint , apple cider vineger and lemon juice , pepper and quinoa are good for vatha dosha kinds of disorder .
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