Quinoa is a super food that has become king and has a special position in many kitchens due to its popularity over time. It’s hardly surprising considering that, for the majority of people, including this pseudo cereal in their diets has a number of health benefits. The spherical seeds’ nutty, earthy, and mildly bitter flavors make them somewhat of an acquired taste and texture.
The right way to prepare quinoa is quite simple. Before you even start cooking, there are a few essential preparation tasks that you shouldn’t ignore. Learn how to properly prepare quinoa to enhance the dining experience and make the most of this nutritious powerhouse by adding it to a variety of dishes or recipes.
Cooking Quinoa
Quinoa is cooked using the simmering method, which is very similar to how rice is cooked. Here are the essential steps for producing tasty, light, and fluffy quinoa on the stove. Learn how to prepare quinoa on the stovetop so that it is consistently wonderfully light and delicate. All nine of the essential amino acids are present in this super food seed, making it a high-quality, protein-rich side dish. An excellent vegetarian and gluten-free side dish for any dinner.
Rinse and repeat
You should submerge it in a basin of cold water for two minutes to get rid of the outer shell, unless the bag says it has already been rinsed. Then, give the quinoa a 30-second soak in cool water in a fine-mesh sieve. Quinoa is then moved to a cooking pot after being drained of extra water.
Simmer
Rinsed quinoa should be added to the saucepan along with a choice liquid, some salt, and around two cups for every cup of dried quinoa. In a saucepan, bring the water (or stock, for additional flavor) to a boil. So that the liquid simmers, cover the pan and lower the heat to medium-low. Check to see whether the grain is transparent and delicate after 15 to 20 minutes and that all the water has been absorbed. In that case, you’re done. If not, leave it on low heat until every drop of liquid has been absorbed.
Separate and sit down
After removing the quinoa from the heat, leave it covered for at least five minutes. In this step, the remaining water is absorbed, allowing the steam and heat produced by the sealed pot to complete the cooking process. By doing this, you can be sure that the seeds are fully cooked and have a translucent appearance. Just before serving, divide and fluff up the quinoa with a fork.
Ingredients
- Quinoa, one cup
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt in 2 cups of water
Instructions for Cooking
When cooking quinoa, use these tips to ensure that it always turns out wonderfully delicate and light. An excellent vegetarian and gluten-free side dish for any dinner.
- In a medium bowl, add the quinoa and then the cold water. For two minutes, soak.
- Place soaking quinoa in a sieve or fine-mesh strainer. Quinoa should be rinsed for 30 seconds under cold running water until the water is clear.
- For extra water to be drained, shake the sieve.
- Transform into a medium pot that has a lid.
- Add salt and 2 cups of cold water to the pot.
- On a high heat setting, bring water to a boil.
- Turn down the heat to medium-low as soon as the water begins to boil.
- About 15 to 20 minutes, or until the quinoa is tender, cover the pot and simmer. Continue cooking the quinoa, checking it every five minutes, if it still appears to be wet.
- After removing from heat, leave covered for five to ten minutes. Fork-fluff to separate the grains.
Equipment
- Strainer
- 2-3 qt. Saucepan
Notes:
- Option for toasting: After rinsing the quinoa, cook it for a few minutes in 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat before adding water and salt. This will bring out the quinoa’s slightly bitter and nutty aromas.
- Water can be replaced with chicken, beef, or vegetable stock or broth to give the quinoa more flavor.
More quinoa recipes
- Quinoa with vegetables and salmon
- Turkey-stuffed peppers
- Chicken Quinoa Bowls with Tomatillos