'Diet Code' Recipe: Quinoa Porridge

April 3, 2005 — -- If you're a fan of Dan Brown's novel "The Da Vinci Code," and you want to lose weight, then you may be interested in "The Diet Code" by Stephen Lanzalotta.

Just as Brown's book discusses Da Vinci's Golden Ratio, Lanzalotta's does too -- and tells you how it can help you shed pounds. Lanzalotta, a baker who lives in Portland, Maine, applies mathematical principles to his cafe menu and shows you how to apply it to your daily eating for optimal health.

QUINOA PORRIDGE

Serves 4

I can't say enough good things about this gluten-free, easy to digest, complete protein, ancient American grain. I love it as a breakfast cereal, and my preparation gives it a northern Italian, almost Eastern European, flavor. It also yields an almost perfect Diet Code profile, with 19 grams of protein and 400 calories per serving.

In a saucepan over medium heat, lightly toast (3 minutes to 5 minutes) 8 ounces (1 1/3 cups) Inca red quinoa (my favorite, an heirloom variety) and 2 tablespoons poppy seeds.

Add and bring to a boil over medium-high heat 3 cups water.

Cover, reduce heat to medium-low, and simmer (sobollire) for about 15 minutes, until water is absorbed.

Add 4 to 6 chopped prunes or figs or 1½ ounces (¼ cup) other dried fruit.

Remove from heat and let stand, covered, about 10 minutes.

Serve with 1 cup buttermilk, kvass, yogurt or kefir, and good honey to drizzle on top.