Avocado Inflused Quinoa with Black Truffled Mushrooms

Quinoa (pronounced keen-wah) has only recently been recognized as the super food it is. The Incas called quinoa “the mother grain” and for good reason: it is as close to a complete protein as any non-animal source can get, offering more iron than other grains and containing high levels of potassium and riboflavin, as well as other B vitamins: B6, niacin and thiamin.

It is also a good source of magnesium, zinc, copper and manganese, and has some folic acid. The World Health Organization has rated the quality of protein in quinoa at least equivalent to that in milk.

And it’s all served up in a tight little package during lunchtime at .

The Dish: Avocado Inflused Quinoa with Black Truffled Mushrooms

What’s In It: Avocado is pureed with a bit of cilantro and some yogurt and combined with the cooked Peruvian quinoa. Salt and lime are added to balance the flavor and the molded dish is topped with black truffled mushrooms and a bit of tomato.

How’s It Taste: There’s lots of texture and taste in this little package. The light crunch of the quinoa combines well with the smooth avocado blend. The flavor is mostly smooth with some tartness from the lime.

Cost: $9