Quinoa

A grain I ran across, I have heard that it has the most amino acid combinations next to animal proteins. Anyones thoughts and experiences on it would be appreciated.

I have played with it only a few times somehow my customers won't buy anything with it (what the **** do they know) anyway rince it very well & do a Pilaf method
Brian

I love quinoa.. however I must agree Bri, it's not very customer friendly. I think people don't get it. It rarely sells. So I usually make it for comida... my staff loves it!

andrew, check out Greens. ( a vegetarian restaurant cookbook...) Lots of ideas for using Quinoa and other unusual grains.

[Pete]

I think quinoa is a great grain. But you all are right. It scares customers and to be honest Im not a fan of it by itself. I like to mix it with other grains and rices. It lends a nice nuttiness to other, less flavorful grains.

Yeah it may scare some customers but part of our work is to educate and enchant. Try replacing cracked wheat for quinoa in a traditional taboule recipie(dry toast quinoa first). Customers are more apt to try it if its associate with a familiar recipie.

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I'm with Philip on this one...you have to guide people, some more gently than others. I've used it as a stuffing for ballotines before...very enjoyable.