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Quinoa. Let’s be honest. It’s a funky-looking grain. Probably not going to win any beauty contests. I’d heard rave-reviews about it for a long time but had never tried it myself until I was off wheat a few weeks ago while we tested to see if Sophie was allergic to it (wheat).
Being unfamiliar with it myself, I thought it was helpful to learn how to prepare it. There are several methods out there, but this was the easiest one for me.
First, a few things about quinoa. Quinoa (pronounced KEEN-wah, not kwih-NOAH) is a high protein plant that we treat like a grain. It’s very versatile. I hope to show you a great salad with it later this week, Sophie permitting. It can easily be used as a substitute for rice paired with Asian foods, or instead of rice or couscous in a pilaf. You can even use it as a breakfast cereal served warm with honey and milk or your favorite oatmeal toppings. I know people that toast it uncooked to sprinkle over yogurt for a little crunch. Like I said…versatile.
As for how to prepare it, here’s my simple, fast, no-fuss method.
- 1c quinoa, dry (rinsed, if desired)
- 2c water
- pinch salt (optional)
- Add quinoa, water, and salt to a saucepan and bring to a boil over medium heat. Boil 5 minutes. Remove from heat, cover, and allow to stand 15 minutes. Fluff with a fork.
{ 10 comments… read them below or add one }
Thank you! Finally, I know how to pronounce quinoa! I’ll be anxiously awaiting the salad recipe (Sophie-permitting).
I love quinoa, and sometimes I feel like I’m trying to convince the world to try it out because I’m sure once people do they will love it. This is a great, simple way to prepare it. Thanks for sharing!
Hmmm… you didn’t mention anything about washing/rinsing the quinoa. Did you buy prewashed? I WANT to like the stuff but the few times I’ve tried it it tastsed like dirt or soap or a combo of the two. I’m pretty sure I need to wash it better but haven’t found a good way to do it. My strainer has too big of holes and I loose too much when I try to use cheesecloth (it sticks to it). Any thoughts?
Melissa–Yikes, I’m sorry! I’ve only been able to find it in boxes and it’s pre-washed. I do find the “grainy” taste is a bit stronger than say, rice or oats, but I haven’t had any bad experiences. I’ve heard cooking it with broth instead of water helps kind of “soften” the quinoa taste. I don’t mind it as is. I would definitely just rinse with water, not soap, however. Another idea would be to serve it with something that will help the grain taste, such as a vinaigrette or sauce. Hope that helps!
I love quinoa. I ate it all the time in Ecuador as a breakfast cereal. i’ve found some yummy recipes that I use in the winter for soups and such. I found a salad recipe I want to try. It is a great source of a lot of nutrients! if you want the soup recipe, let me know…
I have seen this product but not tasted it yet. I’m totally going to… Thank you for expanding my horizons!
Thank you for the recipe, Emily! I’ve wanted to try quinoa for a while now, but I’m a bit scared – I’ve heard horror stories about it.
You make me want to try it out!
Where do you buy quinoa? In a health food store or where in the grocery store? By the rice?
Your recipe looks great! I am dying to try it!
Thanks
Laura – I’ve found it by grains and beans. Some of the stores I shop at keep it by rice, barley, etc. Others keep it near the beans. Best of luck! I can find it at either health stores (where I listed) or my local Kroger store (in the health food section).
I bought some quinoa tonight to try. While looking at the nutrition label, I found that what I bought had more carbohydrates than white rice. I am new to this I am trying to cut way back on things like white rice, pasta, white bread, etc. I know there is some I just do not know. Can you tell me what makes this better for me than, say, brown rice?