Quinoa is a versatile and nutritious seed (or pseudo grain) that has become increasingly popular in recent years. Quinoa has more protein, less carbs, and much higher nutritional value than grains.
Quinoa is a staple in many health conscious homes not only for its versatility, but also its ability to add substance to a meal (perfect for families on a budget!)
How to Prepare Quinoa
Our recipe for Perfectly Cooked Quinoa is a great addition to any meal and can be used in a variety of dishes, from salads to stir-fries. By following these simple steps for how to prepare quinoa, you can ensure that your quinoa is cooked to perfection, with a light and fluffy texture, every time.
Prep time: 2 minutes Cook time: 15 minutes Wait time: 3 minutes Servings: 3-4
What You'll Need:
1 cup quinoa
16 oz broth or water
1 tablespoon seasoning blend of choice*
1 tablespoon butter
What To Do:
Thoroughly rinse quinoa under cool water and drain using a fine mesh strainer.
Add quinoa and broth to a medium saucepan. Stir to combine.
Bring to a rolling boil over high heat. Then, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 10 minutes.
Stir quinoa, re-cover, and continue to cook for 5 minutes.
Remove the saucepan from the heat and allow the quinoa to rest, covered, for 3 minutes.
Add seasonings and butter, and fluff quinoa with a fork to combine.
*We recommend using a seasoning blend such as Italian Seasoning, Taco Seasoning, or Mediterranean Spice Mix. If you don’t have a preferred seasoning blend, you can go with the classic trio: 1 teaspoon each of sea salt, black pepper, and garlic powder.
Take it up a notch!
There are many ways to elevate the flavor and texture of quinoa. Here are a few of our favorites.
Fried rice style: Heat a medium skillet over medium-high heat. When the skillet is hot, add 1-2 tablespoons of cooking oil. Add your cooked quinoa to the skillet and spread evenly across the pan. Allow the quinoa to cook 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, or until the quinoa is lightly toasted.
Cilantro lime: After the quinoa has simmered for 10 minutes, add two tablespoons of fresh lime juice to the saucepan, stir, and continue to cook as directed. Use the classic trio (salt, pepper, and garlic) as your seasoning blend, and add 1-2 tablespoons of freshly diced cilantro before serving.
Classic breakfast flavors: Add finely diced apple and dates to the quinoa prior to boiling, and substitute 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon as your seasoning blend for a “Cinnamon Apple Oatmeal” treat! Or swap the apples and dates for banana and nuts for a different flavor.
Pair cooled quinoa with diced veggies, fresh herbs, and a simple vinaigrette for a delicious side dish.
Like rice, quinoa carries flavor and absorbs liquids. It pairs very well with dishes like our Mississippi Pot Roast and Rosemary Lemon Whole Chicken which leave behind flavorful juice, melted butter, oil, etc.
Comments