Offers in this blog post are expired
Quinoa: A healthy alternative
Quinoa
Your new favorite side dish at Chicago’s finest seafood restaurant, Catch 35, is QUINOA & VEGETABLE “FRIED RICE”. Quinoa a healthy alternative and tasty NEW side at Catch 35, is different from the regular staples of white rice and potato. Is quinoa the new superfood? What is the flavor profile of quinoa? How do our chefs at Catch 35 bring quinoa to the next level? We will answer all your questions about this healthy alternative-quinoa.
Is Quinoa the new superfood?
Quinoa pronounced (keen-wah) is also known as an ancient grain. An ancient grain is one that has remained the same for thousands of years. There are many versions of quinoa in the market today, some are white, red, or black. Each with a mild difference in flavor. This ancient grain is popular today due to its ease of cultivation, health benefits, and versatile flavors. Quinoa is not just any old grain it’s actually a seed.
Quinoa is a healthy alternative because it is high in antioxidants, compared to other grains that are available today. It is also not very time consuming to prepare usually in less than 15 minutes. Quinoa is considered a whole grain due to the fact that it is not milled or refined like white bread or white rice. Refined grains take out a lot of the flavor and nutrition that was in the whole grain. Our restaurant believes fresh high quality ingredients are not only tasty but healthy for you. As you can see in many of our menu options, fresh seafood with light sauces and high quality sides are abundant. Therefore, whole grains like quinoa are a natural element in our menu.
Whole grains like quinoa have more fiber, vitamins, and minerals. This helps to regulate your body’s digestive system and blood sugar. Furthermore, quinoa is gluten-free so people who have digestive issues with gluten can easily choose quinoa as a healthy alternative. Quinoa is also flavorful and the texture is unique almost fluffy. It is filling and satisfying, too. A bit of acidity from lemon or vinegar enhances its natural flavor.
Nutrition facts on Quinoa
- Gluten free
- High in protein
- Whole grain
- High in fiber
- Contains essential amino acids
- Low glycemic index
- High in minerals like iron
- High in antioxidants
Dining out doesn’t need be filled with unhealthy options. Catch 35 offers fresh seafood and sides that are not only gluten-free but healthy and delicious.
What is the flavor profile of quinoa?
Quinoa is unique in the fact that it is not grass which is what we think of when we look at whole grains. Instead, it is a seed from a flowering plant similar to the spinach plant family. The seed is cultivated and used in the same fashion as white rice or wheat. The flavors of quinoa are where they differ, too. Quinoa has a nutty, earthy flavor that pairs well with herbs, spices, and other earthy foods like vegetables and nuts. Adding a bit of acid, like lemon or vinegar, to quinoa makes it more complex yet delicate. Quinoa is fluffy in texture and can be easily added to a number of ingredients as a gourmet side dish or entrée.
How do our chefs at Catch 35 bring quinoa to the next level?
At Catch 35, ranked best seafood restaurant in Naperville, our chefs take quinoa to the next level. Knowing that quinoa is a whole grain and also a seed, our chef prepares the quinoa in a traditional manner. First the quinoa is allowed to sprout in hot water. Then we chill it. Next, we fire up the wok with grapeseed oil. Grapeseed oil with a high smoke point and a clean flavor, enhances the nutty and earthy flavors of the quinoa.
As the fire roars on the wok, our chef tosses peas, snow peas, asparagus, peppers, onions, egg, bean sprouts, and the chilled quinoa. Once all of the ingredients are nicely toasted in the wok, fish sauce and sweet soy sauce are added to make the ultimate side QUINOA & VEGETABLE “FRIED RICE”.
So there are a couple ways you can eat this delicious and healthy alternative quinoa at Catch 35. First, I recommend if you are a first time diner at Catch 35, seafood and premium steaks, order our Chilean Sea bass with sweet chili sauce. The QUINOA & VEGETABLE “FRIED RICE” accompanies all of our Asian inspired entrees. You can also get it with our Yellowfin Tuna sashimi that is lightly seared with a sesame seed crust. But if you are in the mood for a juicy bone-in New York strip or Rib eye you can surely add the quinoa fried rice as one our many “Great Additions”. It’s a great way to add those whole grains and vegetables to any of Catch 35’s seafood or steak dishes.
Wine Pairing at Catch 35
Top chefs all over the world are grasping onto the quinoa craze. Therefore, the next step is pairing a wine with this healthy alternative. Keep in mind that wine is also known to have health benefits as well. For a white wine, choose an oaky Chardonnay from California’s Russian River Valley or Washington’s Walla Walla region. As for reds, a nice Pinot Noir from California’s Napa and Sonoma Valleys will enhance the earthy tones of the quinoa.
Finishing Touches
Lastly, the flavors of quinoa and the way in which we prepare it as a vegetable fried rice really highlights its earthy and nutty flavors. It is satisfying not only to your taste buds but helps fill you up with nutrients. We take pride in delivering the freshest seafood to Naperville and Chicago, so our side dishes most hold up to that same quality -healthy-flavorful-fresh! Join us for your next business lunch or night out.
Looking for a special offer! Check us out on Facebook-@Catch35Chicago, Twitter-@CatchThirtyFive, and Instagram @catch_35 for our weekly Live Jazz lineup, new dishes, and upcoming events. See you soon!