From near obscurity to becoming a superfood, quinoa (pronounced “keen-wah”) has come a long way. Ever since being recognized by the United Nations in 2013 for its outstanding health benefits, its popularity among food enthusiasts has been on the constant rise.
The fact that quinoa is versatile to cook and tastes good has helped it become the “it” health food for many.
Quinoa was initially a cheap crop staple to the people native to Peru, Bolivia and Ecuador. It had been held high in religious esteem among the Incan people. Today, it has become increasingly popular in the U.S., Canada and Europe, as well as Japan and China in the East. As a result of its popularity, you can easily find it in any supermarket.
When cooked perfectly, quinoa turns out quite like tiny fluffy crystals in appearance. You can’t describe the taste exactly, but it has a sweet, slightly nutty flavor. It goes well as a nutritious side to any lunch or dinner, and it serves as a great nutritious breakfast cereal or porridge. It is also used as an ingredient in a variety of recipes.
The nutritional profile of quinoa is astounding. Containing all the nine essential amino acids, quinoa is a complete protein, and hence a great source of protein for vegans and vegetarians. It also boasts double the amount of fiber than most other grains. Notable quantities of manganese, copper, phosphorus, magnesium and folate are also found in quinoa. Plus, it is one of the naturally gluten-free foods.
With so many pros to this culinary sensation, there’s hardly any reason not to try it. Here are four methods that you can use to cook perfect quinoa:
- Method 1: Cooking Quinoa on a Stove
- Method 2: Cooking Quinoa in a Microwave
- Method 3: Cooking Toasted Quinoa
- Method 4: Cooking Quinoa in a Rice Cooker
Contents
Method 1: Cooking Quinoa on a Stove
Things you’ll need:
- Quinoa – 1 cup
- Water – 2 cups
- Salt, to your taste
Step 1.Rinse the quinoa well
Put 1 cup of quinoa in a fine mesh colander. Rinse it thoroughly to remove the bitter covering of saponins from the quinoa.
Step 2. Put water in a pan
Place a pan on medium heat and pour 2 cups of water into it.
Step 3. Add quinoa
Add 1 cup of washed quinoa to the pan.
Step 4. Add salt to taste
As a rule of thumb, ¼ tablespoon of salt can be used per 1 cup of quinoa. Increase or decrease the quantity of salt as you see fit.
Step 5. Bring quinoa to a boil
Bring the quinoa to a boil.
Turn down the heat and let the quinoa simmer for 15 minutes or until it is well-cooked and has absorbed all the liquid. After turning off the heat, let the quinoa sit for 5 minutes. This helps give it a fluffy texture.
Fluff the quinoa with a fork. The quinoa is ready to be consumed. Serve with a garnish of your choosing.
Method 2: Cooking Quinoa in a Microwave
Things you’ll need:
- Quinoa – 1 cup
- Water – 2 cups
- Salt, to your taste
Step 1. Combine quinoa and water in a microwave-safe bowl
Put 1 cup of quinoa in a microwave-safe bowl, then add 2 cups of water to it.
Most of the quinoa that’s available in the market already has the outer covering of saponins removed. But you may wash your quinoa to be on the safe side, as saponins render a bitter taste. Read the package instructions for details.
Step 2. Add salt as per your taste
Add salt to the quinoa as per your taste. As a general rule, ¼ tablespoon of salt should do well in 1 cup of quinoa.
Step 3. Cover the bowl with aluminum foil
Cover the mouth of the bowl completely with a sheet of aluminum foil.
Step 4. Cook for 15 minutes on high
Pop the bowl into the microwave and cook the quinoa for 15 minutes on high.
Step 5. Take the bowl out
Take the bowl out. Let the quinoa sit for 5 minutes before removing the foil. This will help make the texture fluffier.
Fluff the quinoa. Your quinoa is ready to be served with any garnish of your choosing. If desired, add a little tang to your quinoa by squeezing some fresh lemon juice into it.
Microwaving is the easiest method to make quinoa without any hassle.
Method 3: Cooking Toasted Quinoa
Things you’ll need:
- Quinoa – 1 cup
- Olive oil – 1 tablespoon
- Water – 2 cups
- Salt, to your taste
Step 1. Heat olive oil in a pan
Place a pan on medium heat. Add 1 tablespoon of olive oil to the pan.
Step 2. Add quinoa to it
Add 1 cup of quinoa to the pan. Quinoa comes in three varieties – white, red and black. You can use any kind depending upon your choice or availability in your nearby store.
Step 3. Toast the quinoa on medium heat
Toast the quinoa on medium heat, stirring constantly to avoid burning it. Toasting should be done for about 5 minutes. Consider the quinoa toasted when the seeds turn brown and start popping.
Your kitchen will become filled with its distinct nutty aroma. Toasting brings out the nutty flavor of this grain.
Quinoa is quite similar to sesame seeds in this manner. Toasting also pops off the saponin covering of the quinoa a little.
Step 4. Add water to the pan
When your quinoa is toasted, add 2 cups of water to the pan.
Step 5. Add a dash of salt
Next, salt your quinoa. Determine the quantity of salt depending on whether you will consume it simply cooked or if it will be an ingredient in some dish.
Step 6. Cook for 10 to 15 minutes over medium heat
Cook the quinoa for 10 to 15 minutes over medium heat. In this time, the quinoa should absorb all the water and become thoroughly cooked.
Once cooked, cover the pan with a lid and let it sit for 5 minutes.Use a fork to fluff the cooked quinoa. Fluffing it helps to make the texture amiable.
Serve the quinoa with veggies – steamed, roasted or crunchy.
Method 4: Cooking Quinoa in a Rice Cooker
Things you’ll need:
- Quinoa – 1 cup
- Water – 1 cups + enough to soak the quinoa
- Salt, to your taste
- Electric rice cooker
Step 1.Soak the quinoa in water
Put 1 cup of quinoa in a bowl or any other container. Fill the bowl with water. Let the quinoa soak for 15 minutes.
Step 2. Put soaked quinoa in the rice cooker
Put the soaked quinoa in an electric rice cooker.
Step 3. Add water to it
Pour 1 cup of water into the cooker. Add a dash of salt if desired.
Step 4. Cook the quinoa for 15 minutes
Cook the quinoa in the rice cooker for about 15 minutes.
Your quinoa is ready. However, fluff the quinoa for a voluminous texture before serving. Garnish with mint leaves and chili flakes. You may go with your choice of garnish for your quinoa.
Additional Tips
- If the health benefits of Quinoa is not a big enough incentive, then try to make Quinoa Pizza for a tasty and healthy delight.
- Always rinse quinoa before cooking it. This will wash away any remaining saponin coating from the grains. Skipping this step may end up ruining your dish altogether.
- You may also use quinoa as a healthier and starch-free alternative to rice and other cereals.
- Instead of plain old water, use vegetable or chicken broth to cook quinoa for a distinct flavor.
- Bring quinoa down to room temperature before storing it in the fridge. Quinoa usually keeps for about 1 week in the refrigerator.
- You may use any cooking oil of your choice other than olive oil to roast quinoa.