I'm fairly new to quinoa. It definitely wasn't something I grew up with. I didn't even know it existed until a few years ago.
WHFood.com lists quinoa in their top World’s Healthiest Food list because it’s high in protein, magnesium, iron and it’s low in calories. One half cup cooked has about 110 calories, 4 g of fat and 5 g of fiber. Not bad for baby! Not bad at all!
But what about the texture? How would Little Bean react to something with so many chunks? Find out in our latest Baby Food Adventure…
Quinoa
It's sold in most grocery stores now, but I got mine at Trader Joe's
Red Quinoa
There is also a red variety. I used a little a both since I was running out of white.
Cook
I made a lot as I was going to eat some with my lunch too. So ½ cup quinoa and 1 cup of water went into the pot. Bring to a boil then cover and lower to a simmer.
It's Done
It should take about 15 minute to absorb all the water. The seeds will plump up and you'll see a little white ring around each one.
Appetizer Time
Look at that face! He loves his Snap Pea Crisps.
Self Feeder
And he's getting so good at eating by himself!
Quinoa and Applesauce
I decided to leave the quinoa alone and just mix with a little applesauce.
Taste Test Time
I was REAL curious what he was going to think of the texture.
It totally threw him for a loop! He did alright for a bite or two, but then he choked a little on it.
Pureed Quinoa and Applesauce
I ran it through the blender just a little to break up the seeds. It still had a nice texture but not as harsh.
Taste Test Number 2
That's better! No choking!
Add Yogurt
Now that we got the texture down I decided to add a little yogurt to bulk it up for a complete meal.
MMmmmm Yummy!
No really! It was pretty tasty. Like creamy chunky applesauce.
Eatin' Time!
How did he like it?
He devoured the whole bowl! It was hard to get a picture of him because he was eating so fast!
Who? Me?
Yes you!
Yikes! Sorry. It was just so good!
That's ok.
Can you make it again one day?
Sure!
AWESOME!
Your boy is adorable! those pictures are so cute. I use quinoa flakes to make all kinds of quinoa dishes for my son who is 8 months. he loves it too.
I can't tell the difference but I'm a true foodie could. lol
awesome! That's a ton of protein--especially with the yogurt.
Do you find that the red quinoa has a different taste than the other kind? I've only had white and love it. I need to make your spiced quinoa/pear breakfast. It's sooo good. I even managed to get my husband to like it 🙂
So precious Roni!! My family eats Quinoa all the time but i wish i would have known about it when my kids were little. What a great eater little Bean is!!
That is so freakin' adorable!!! I just want to kiss his little messy face!
I'll have to give quinoa a try with my daughter! Thanks for the inspiration!