Known to be the only vegetable that is also a complete protein high in lysine, quinoa, which is actually not a grain, but rather a chenopod similar to the beet family, is mild and easy to digest. So much so, that in 1993 NASA researchers recommended it as part of a potential space colony diet; and 2013 has been declared by the United Nations as the International Year of Quinoa.
Quinoa cooks just like white rice, both in terms of timing and measurements, and can also be steamed in a rice cooker. Use boxed or packaged quinoa for a shorter cooking time (this means the quinoa has been well rinsed and will soften quickly.
