Learn How To Cook Quinoa
The popularity of Quinoa is growing, due to the fact that it is not only low in fat and super healthy, but also because it is one of the few grains, that is a complete protein, making it perfect for vegans and vegetarians -See my article Quinoa Health Benefits, Quinoa Complete Protein. In this article you will Learn How To Cook Quinoa correctly, so it is lovely, fluffy and tasty.
Although lots of us now love this wonderfully versatile grain, it seems that many people still don’t actually know how to use and prepare Quinoa correctly, in order to get the very best out of it.
The most important step is to always thoroughly rinse your Quinoa (pronounced Kinwah) in a fine mesh stainless steel strainer, under cold fast flowing running water. You rinse and swish the quinoa around with your hand until the water runs clear and is no longer bubbly, this is to ensure you have removed the unpalatable, bitter Saponin coating from the grains.
Once you have done this, the easiest way to cook your Quinoa is by the absorption method, which is basically boiling your rinsed Quinoa in water till all the water is absorbed and your Quinoa is left light and fully.
Cooking Quinoa By The Absorption Method
The ratio is 1 cup of rinsed Quinoa to two cups of water, this amount makes up about 2- 2.5 cups of cooked Quinoa. You can also add a teaspoon of sea salt to the water.
To ensure that your Quinoa turns our fluffy and not mushy, it is best to first salt and bring your water to the boil, before adding your rinsed Quinoa.
You can choose to either leave the lid on and simmer on a low flame until all the liquid has absorbed (approx. 15 mins), but I have personally found it works best if you only leave the lid on for half the time and then take off the lid while cooking and let the water boil a little harder than at a simmer.
Also be sure to fluff up the Quinoa with a fork at least a couple times during the cooking process.
Once cooked let stand for around 10 mins and then fluff with a fork again. Now your Quinoa is ready for anything!
How To Use Cooked Quinoa Grains
Here at livingsafe I have created some delicious recipes using cooked Quinoa- see all the links below.
The possibilities of using Quinoa in your cooking is unlimited. Add it to soups, use it as a salad base, add it to pies and quiches, add it to scrambled tofu or organic eggs. Replace your rice in risottos dishes with Quinoa, or try using it in place of pasta.
Include a cup or two of cooked Quinoa in your cake and cookie recipes to add some beneficial protein to your baked goods. Try using it make delicious cold or baked puddings. As you can see the list is endless.
Note – you can also buy Organic Quinoa Flakes, which are great for adding to your baking recipes, if you want a smoother texture.
Vegan & Vegetarian Recipes Using Cooked Quinoa
Low FODMAP, Organic , Chocolate Quinoa Cake
Vegan Oat and Quinoa Chocolate Berry Balls
FODMAP Friendly, Vegan & Sugar Free Quinoa Porridge
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