Quinoa is known as a small rice from Peru. The Incas considered this plant sacred and referred to quinoa as "chisaya mama" or "mother of all cereals". Traditionally, the Inca emperors would sow the first seeds of quinoa early in the season using "golden utensils". Quinoa is rich in protein and much lighter than other cereals. Processing Quinoa is much easier than rice, so it quickly became popular, especially among vegetarians who like high protein content.
Ingredients
- 1 cup quinoa
- 2 cups water (or stock)
- Olive oil to taste (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (optional)
Step
Method 1 of 3: Cooking on the Stove
Step 1. Rinse the quinoa granules with water
You can skip this step if you have purchased clean quinoa in a box. To rinse, place the beads in a colander under running water for a few minutes. This is useful for removing excess saponins on the outside of the granules which give a bitter taste if not removed.
Step 2. Heat the quinoa in a saucepan (optional)
Pour a little olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the quinoa and cook for about 1 minute. This will bring out the quinoa nut flavor.
Step 3. Cook the quinoa
Place two parts water or fill one part quinoa in a saucepan over medium-high heat and bring to a boil. Cover the pot and reduce the heat to low. Simmer the quinoa for about 15 minutes or until the grains become clear and the white seeds form a visible spiral on the outside of the grain.
Make sure there is an al dente bite to the seed, much like paste. The quinoa will continue to cook slightly even after removing it from the stove
Step 4. Remove the quinoa from the heat and let it rest covered for 5 minutes
This is useful for absorbing any moisture that may still be in the pan.
Step 5. Open the lid of the pot and stir with a fork
The quinoa will look light and fluffy, and you will see the seeds separate from the grains.
Step 6. Serve
Freshly cooked quinoa should be served immediately to retain its nutritional value and good taste. Serve with:
- Saute, use quinoa instead of rice.
- Curry.
- Meat stew.
- Salad.
- Any other combination you can think of!
Method 2 of 3: Cooking In a Rice Cooker
Step 1. Rinse 1 cup of quinoa in a fine mesh strainer under cold water
If you purchased packaged quinoa, this step is not always necessary, but it is better to do so.
Step 2. Pour the quinoa in the rice cooker
You can also preheat the quinoa before pouring it into the rice cooker. See Step #2 in Method One above.
Step 3. Add 2 cups of liquid and 1/2 teaspoon of salt to the rice cooker
Water, chicken stock or stock, or vegetable stock can be used.
Step 4. Cook for about 15 minutes
Each rice cooker has a different setting in addition to the usual "cooking" options. If your rice cooker has a "white rice" option, take it.
Step 5. Let sit for about 5 minutes
Stir with a fork and serve.
Method 3 of 3: Cooking In the Oven
Step 1. Preheat the Oven to 180 C
Arrange the racks in the middle of the oven.
Step 2. Rinse the quinoa thoroughly in a fine-mesh strainer under cold water
Step 3. In a medium-sized saucepan, heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil over medium-low heat
Step 4. Add onions, peppers, mushrooms, or any other vegetables or herbs you want to the pan (optional)
Cook the onions until wilted, but not charred. Heat the peppers or vegetables with the onions.
Step 5. Add the quinoa and salt to the pan, stirring until thoroughly combined
The time required is usually no more than 30 seconds.
Step 6. Add one cup of broth and one cup of water to a saucepan and bring to a boil over medium heat
Step 7. Once boiling, transfer the quinoa to an 8x8-inch baking dish
Flatten the quinoa and cover it completely with foil.
Step 8. Cook the quinoa in the oven for about 20 minutes, or until most of the liquid has evaporated
Step 9. Remove foil from pan, add cheese or other seasonings, and bake for another 5 minutes
After 5 minutes, the quinoa will be fully cooked.
Step 10. Serve and enjoy
Tips
- Quinoa is perfect for adding to soups, salads, quiche and burger mixes.
- Quinoa germinates very quickly and is very nutritious to eat.
- Quinoa does not contain any gluten.
