Depending on who you talk to, the cost of rice may either rise or stay stable come September. The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) is keeping a close watch on it.

In the interim, to avoid the possibility of sticker shock, consumers are advised to get some now, and even look to other options. One such option is quinoa. Professional chefs recommend it as a perfect substitute for rice because it offers a more nutrient-rich profile but with a similar texture. It's higher in protein and fiber, and it's a complete protein, unlike rice. It also has a lower glycemic index than white rice, which can help with blood sugar management.

Here's a more detailed breakdown of its nutritional advantages:

HIGHER IN PROTEIN. Quinoa contains significantly more protein than both white and brown rice. A cup of cooked quinoa has about 8 grams, while rice has only 2-3 grams.

COMPLETE PROTEIN. Unlike rice, quinoa contains all nine essential amino acids, making it a complete protein source, which is particularly beneficial for vegetarians and vegans.

MORE FIBER. It also boasts more fiber, which aids in digestion, promotes satiety, and can help regulate blood sugar levels.

LOWER GLYCEMIC INDEX. Quinoa's lower glycemic index means it causes a slower and more gradual increase in blood sugar levels compared to white rice.

MORE VITAMINS AND MINERALS. Quinoa is richer in several vitamins and minerals, including iron, magnesium, and manganese, compared to rice.

And another wonderful aspect of quinoa is its texture. It has a slightly nutty flavor and a somewhat fluffy texture when cooked, making it a good textural substitute for rice in many dishes.

It's also a terrific substitute because of how easy it is to cook. Quinoa cooks relatively quickly, often in about the same time as white rice and definitely quicker than brown rice.

All this said, it's easy to see why so many professional chefs applaud quinoa as a terrific replacement for rice. If you like the idea, then you'll want to try this delicious recipe that uses just one pan, found on www.simplyquinoa.com. It goes well with everything and it's yummy!

5-INGREDIENT GARLIC BUTTER QUINOA

Yield: 4 servings

Ingredients:

1 cup quinoa
1 tablespoon butter or ghee
2 to 3 teaspoons garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon sea salt
2 cups chicken broth

Directions:

Add all ingredients to a small saucepan.
Bring to a boil and stir until butter has melted.
Cover and reduce to low and simmer for 15 minutes.
Remove lid, take off the heat and fluff with a fork.
Let stand for 5 minutes then serve.

Recipe formatted with the Cook'n Recipe Software from DVO Enterprises.