Quinoa is a delicious whole grain that has got high nutritional value. This is the only grain that has got all the essential amino acids so make the grain the source of complete protein. The grain can be prepared just like rice or pasta or people can use this grain to prepare soups or cold salads or could use it for a meatless main dish.
This grain has got a nutty flavor with crunchy texture. The seeds are covered with a bitter resin that should be rinsed off before cooking is done.
Ingredients
- Quinoa
- Water
- chopped vegetables (for added flavor)
Cooking Time
It depends on the mode of preparation. Whether you are cooing it in the saucepan or cooking it in the microwave, the time limit will vary.
Method
Add 2 cups of water and 1 cup of Quinoa. Rinse the seeds well under running water by rubbing them so that the resins go off. Put quinoa and water in the saucepan and boil . Cook the grain over medium low heat for 10-15 minutes or until the liquid is absorbed. The seeds would look translucent and the texture of the seeds will become crunchy.
For having the microwave cooking of quinoa, put water and quinoa seeds in the microwave bowl and cover it loosely. Then microwave it for 8 minutes keeping the mode high. Stand quinoa for 10 minutes, then again microwave for 2 minutes and stir it. Stand the quinoa for about 1 minute before serving.
You can cook quinoa in the rice cooker. Instead of using plain water, chicken or vegetable broth can be used to cook quinoa seeds and that will help in making it tastier.
When toasting is done, it adds flavor to the seeds and makes the texture crunchier. After rinsing the seeds well, you must drain it well. Using medium high heat, heat a large nonstick skillet and add drained seeds to it. Then cook the seeds till they dry out and become golden brown. Stir them well while cooked. Then remove it and cook it in a separate bowl. Chopped vegetables could be added to quinoa seeds while they are getting cooked. You can add onions, celery , carrots peppers to have additional color and flavor. Cooked Quinoa seeds can be used for preparing quinoa salad, quinoa pilaf, quinoa chicken salad and many other dishes.
Read this Article in: Français (French)
