Are you skipping your meal times? Are you worried about the inch or weight gain with every meal you take?
Quinoa is a rescue for all your problems. The amazing recipes of quinoa under how to make quinoa in delicious ways. Apart from how to cook quinoa, quick tips such that cooked quinoa doesn’t turn mushy, and nutritional benefits of cooked quinoa too. This article guides you all about quinoa and how to make quinoa dishes.
I bet regularly consuming this delicious “superfood” will leave you feeling healthy and fit.
1. What is Quinoa?
Quinoa, are you finding it difficult to pronounce? Say, (“KEEN-wah“). Quinoa is vegan, and these gluten-free seeds are pseudo-cereal, like buckwheat, chia, or amaranth.
(“Pseudo-cereal means though it is like other grains or cereal like wheat that grows on the grass but its a plant“)
Quinoa belongs to the goosefoot family, whose young leaves are used as spinach, and seeds are treated as grains.
2. Brief History of Quinoa
Quinoa has been known as “the mother grain.” The ancient grain, some 3000-5000 years ago, was cooked by the Incas. Initially, it grew near the Andes, South America.
It is believed that a man named Oscar, a Bolivian mystic who in the 1970s persuaded his group of followers, basically students, to introduce Quinoa to their diet. He believed quinoa would help his students meditate better, resulting in a deeper spiritual connection.
Today quinoa is grown worldwide, even in hot and tropical regions.
3. Health Benefits of Quinoa
Before we begin how to make quinoa, let us see the array of health benefits of cooked quinoa.
Quinoa has ample fiber, minerals, and vitamins.
The plethora of other nutrients makes quinoa one of the healthiest grains to include in one’s diet.
Quinoa is also a good source of amino acids, and that to all nine; WOW! It means it has all the proteins under its bitter natural coating.
4. Types of Quinoa Available
For your sumptuous quinoa recipe, you will find quinoa in varied options. Here are the details of the variety available.
4.1. Red and Black Quinoa Seeds
Both red and black seeds are crunchy and have a nutty flavor.
4.2. White Quinoa
It is the most commonly used variety of quinoa. White quinoa is light and, when cooked, turns fluffy. It has a mild flavor and well-replaced rice from the plate of fitness freaks.
4.3. Tri-color Quinoa
It is the mixed version of the above three varieties. Red and black quinoa and crunchiness and white quinoa add fluff.
When cooked, any of the above varieties gives you a perfect quinoa recipe.
5. Steps to Follow Before How to Make Quinoa recipes
Before you learn how to make quinoa, it is important to cook it properly. Here are the essential steps, follow as given below before you start making your favorite recipes:
5.1. Rinse Quinoa
Quinoa seeds come with natural bitterness. The natural bitterness is due to saponin. It is the coating on the seed. So, let us see how to rinse quinoa before cooking.
5.1.1. Directions
Put the quinoa seeds in the fine mesh strainer.
Now, rinse the quinoa thoroughly under cold water.
Alternatively, take a pot, add uncooked quinoa and cold water, and swirl and drain the water.
5.2. Cook Quinoa
5.2.1. Method 1
Before you go further on how to make quinoa, it is important to cook quinoa perfectly. Cooking quinoa is similar to how you boil rice.
Take one cup of rinsed quinoa in a small saucepan.
Add two parts of liquid to it. You can add any liquid water, chicken broth, coconut milk, or vegetable stew on medium to high heat.
Note-“The choice of solvent depends upon the flavor you like to fluff the quinoa in.”
You may add your choice of fresh herbs, like a bay leaf or mint while cooking quinoa.
Bring the mixture to a boil. Now you can cook at a slight simmer and slightly shade the pot.
After for boiling about 15 minutes, you will see tiny spirals around the fluffy seeds. These tiny spirals are also known as “nutritious germs.”
Image by waldomirorocha from Pixabay /copyright 2017
If some water is left and you want the nutty flavor, drain the water, return the cooked quinoa to the pot, and let it settle by covering it with a lid.
You can use this cooked and dry quinoa in any of the recipes below.
5.2.2. Method 2
Below is an alternate method to cook quinoa before making your favorite recipes.
Take uncooked quinoa in a saucepan.
Place it on medium heat. Saute while it pops.
Toast the quinoa till it turns light brownish.
Turn the heat off.
5.2.2.1. How to Use Toasted Quinoa
Use the toasted quinoa in your favorite quinoa recipes. The toasted quinoa adds extra crunchiness. You can topple it over your yogurts or creams.
Toasted quinoa makes quinoa recipes less sticky.
Suppose you are wondering how to make quinoa less sticky. Soak the toasted quinoa overnight. It will absorb the water or whatever you have used. Use it as cooked quinoa in your favorite recipes.
Now that you have cooked quinoa, let us see how you can use it with your taste in herbs and sauces to make your favorite quinoa recipes.
6. How to Make Quinoa- Quick Recipes
6.1. Quinoa as a Breakfast Cereal
Since you have the above-cooked quinoa, you don’t need to re-cook quinoa for your breakfast.
- Take the amount you wish. Add water, milk, or juice of your choice. Dash it with some fresh fruits and nuts. You can garnish the toppings with maple syrup or honey.
- Or, you can toss the cooked quinoa in some fresh herbs and vegetables and sprinkle salt and pepper.
Isn’t it relaxing to enjoy breakfast without the botheration of cooking quinoa?
6.2. How to Make Quinoa Salads
Ingredients
3 cups water
1 cup of quinoa
1/4 cup olive oil
One tablespoon of lemon juice
Two green onions
1 cup diced tomatoes
One red bell pepper chopped.
One teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon red chili flakes
grounded black pepper to taste
Few basil leaves
Method:
- Follow the steps given above on how to cook raw quinoa and cook quinoa perfectly. Keep it aside to cool.
- Make the salad dressing. Add olive oil, salt, lemon juice, red chili flakes, and ground black pepper, and gently whisk.
- In a large container, put all the diced and chopped vegetables. Add cooked quinoa. Pour the dressing.
- Toss gently to coat the dressing all over evenly.
- Garnish with basil leaves.
- Keep in refrigerator or serve immediately.
6.3. Quinoa Milk Pudding
If you wish to satiate your sweet carving and looking for a healthy and nutritious option, this delicious recipe is for you.
Image by odovolenkesk from Pixabay / copyright 2016
Let us follow the steps for how to make quinoa milk pudding recipe.
Ingredients
2 cups Milk (take almond milk if vegan)
1 teaspoon Condensed milk(Vegans can eliminate it)
1 cup Quinoa
1 cup hot water
1/2 teaspoon clarified butter
One teaspoon of cardamom powder
3/4 cups sugar(or according to taste)
A few saffron strands(Even if you don’t have them, you can do away with them)
1 cup Mixed nuts(chopped, for garnishing)
Directions
- Place a saucepan on medium heat.
- Add clarified butter.
- Once the clarified butter is warm, add quinoa to it.
- Toast the quinoa till it is light brown or you smell a toasted aroma.
- Take one teaspoon of milk in a small bowl and dip saffron strands in it.
- On the toasted quinoa, pour 1 cup of hot water and boil on medium flame.
- When half of the water evaporates and the quinoa is fluffy, add 2 cups of milk.
- Let the quinoa cook perfectly in the milk for 7-8 minutes at a low simmer.
- Cooking quinoa at a low simmer will allow it to absorb milk flavor and make it fluffy.
- Add sugar and cardamom powder. Stir occasionally.
- Add 1/2 cup of hot water if you like a drooping consistency.
- Add condensed milk.
- Leave the mixture covered on low flame for 5 minutes.
- Turn off the heat. Remove the lid, garnish it with nuts and cover it.
- Serve hot or chilled.
This Quinoa Milk Pudding is a healthier option than the Rice Milk Pudding.
6.4. Cranberry Quinoa
The following recipe is about how to make quinoa in cranberry sauce. This is the best recipe to serve on thanksgiving dinner and a way to say thank you so much.
Ingredients
- 1 cup White Quinoa uncooked
- 2 cups water
- 4 tablespoon cranberry sauce
(If you don’t have cranberry sauce at home, follow the link.)
- Three tablespoons thinly chopped green onions
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Directions
Take a saucepan and, on medium flame, simmer it.
Now add quinoa and toast quinoa till light brown.
Take a pot and add water to it. Bring water to a boil.
Add 3 tablespoons of cranberry sauce and boil it one.
Now add toasted quinoa and boil them together on medium to low heat. Add salt to it.
Cook till quinoa turns fluffy.
Sprinkle lemon juice and cover the lid. Turn off the stove.
Enjoy quinoa simmered in cranberry sauce. Trust me, if you are looking for a quinoa recipe for little munchkins, how to make quick, Cranberry Quinoa is the children’s favorite.
6.5. Quinoa Pops
The following recipe on how to make quinoa pops will be loved by snack lovers.
Method
Take uncooked quinoa seeds. Heat the small saucepan on medium flame.
Make only a single layer of quinoa seeds. Spread the seeds evenly, as with popcorn seeds. Slightly cover the lid. Toss the pan so that heat spreads all over the seeds. Wait for the popping to begin. Toss in between to avoid burning the seeds. When the popping sound subsides, turn off the flame.
Pour the pops on the butter sheet to cool. Season it as per the taste.
6.6. Quinoa Soups
Enhance the taste and make the soups fuller by adding cooked quinoa to your lip-smacking soups.
Image by LoggaWiggler from Pixabay / copyright 2012
Method
Take the soup of your choice. Bring to a boil. Add the cooked quinoa and boil it once more. Let the soup’s flavor seep into the seeds.
Season it with herbs and salt.
7. How to Make Quinoa- Rice Cooker recipes
Making quinoa can be child’s play if you cook it in the rice cooker.
To cook quinoa in the rice cooker, you can use the same technique you use while making rice in the rice cooker.
Ingredients
1 cup quinoa
2 cups water/vegetable stew/chicken broth
1 teaspoon olive oil
1/4 teaspoon Salt
Directions
Rinse quinoa to remove the outer covering called saponin.
Spray oil at the insert of the rice cooker. This prevents sticking the seed and cooks quinoa perfectly.
Add uncooked quinoa and water. Sprinkle in salt.
Close the lid and just push the button.
So, the rice cooker recipe of how to cook quinoa in a rice cooker not only saves time, but you can also move away without worrying about the broth coming out.
8. Quick Tips
Below are some tips on how to cook quinoa perfectly.
Pre-cook Quinoa Tips
If you are already familiar with how to make quinoa, here are some quick tips for the perfectly fluffy quinoa
Some quinoa packs come with pre rinsed tag, which saves time.
It is always better to re-rinse before you cook quinoa. Why? To avoid the buttery texture and bitterness.
Each cup of uncooked quinoa will give you great cooked quinoa.
Post cook Quinoa Tips
If you wish to cut prep time, you can cook a big batch of quinoa early on the weekend. Let it settle at room temperature. Freeze cooked quinoa in an airtight container for the rest of the week.
It is best to avoid reheating once you cook quinoa. Serve and consume fresh.
Do not consume cooked quinoa if it has been at normal temperature for more than two hours.
9. Did you know?
Quinoa is far more nutritious than rice, corn, or wheat.
Some 5000-7000 years ago, Quinoa seeds were used to feed livestock.
Quinoa has been named a “super crop” by United Nations. United Nations attributed quinoa to substantiate world hunger. Moreover, United Nations graced 2013 as the “International Year of Quinoa“.
Quinoa can grow in less fertile soil without fertilizers or irrigation. (“Maybe that’s the reason it is considered so healthy“)
There are more than 120 varieties available worldwide. White and yellow quinoa is an all-time favorite. As they have the mildest flavor. Red and black are slightly stronger in taste and hold the shape when cooked.
10. Bottom Line
Quinoa is a great side dish or mid meals snack. The nutritional significance of quinoa and its gluten-free nature is worldly accepted. I bet you how to make quinoa and treat quinoa before cooking; delicious recipes will now be easy for you.
So, cook quinoa, and replace it with pasta. I assure you this ancient food is not only stomachful but heartfelt too.
Last Updated on by Laveleena Sharma
