Yen Can Cook: How to Cook Fluffy Quinoa
Quinoa (pronounced KEEN-wah) is a grain crop grown primarily for its edible seeds. After harvest, the seeds must be processed to remove the coating containing the bitter-tasting saponins. The grains are in various colors, white, red and black depending on the cultivar.
Quinoa is gluten-free and excellent source of manganese and phosphorus. Cooked quinoa provides a moderate nutritional value of dietary fiber, folate, and the dietary minerals, iron, zinc and magnesium. (Source: Wikipedia)
The seeds are in general cooked the same way as rice. Its high protein and fiber content makes quinoa a great alternative to white rice. Since I’m on low carb diet (for dinner) therefore quinoa definitely suit my diet and it is the best to replace my rice intake.
I must admit the cooking method for quinoa can be confusing for a first timer. I referred to several videos and articles online when I need to cook it for the first time to get that perfect texture. After a few attempts, I’ve recorded the step by step on how to cook the perfect quinoa (not mushy or bitter, but delicate and perfectly fluffy) for you guys. Here we go!
Ingredients
1 cup uncooked quinoa
Can be found at major supermarkets or organic shops. There are white, red, black or mixed quinoa, just get whatever you prefer and the cooking method can be applied to all variety.
2 cups water or broth
1/2 teaspoon salt
Tools
Fine-mesh strainer
Saucepan with lid
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Step 1: Place quinoa into a fine-mesh strainer, rinse the quinoa thoroughly under cold running water to remove its bitter flavour. Rub and swish the quinoa with your hand while rinsing. Drain.
Step 2: Tip the cleaned quinoa (Step 1) into a pan, stir in 2 cups of water or broth and the salt. Bring to a rolling boil.
Step 3: Turn heat down to the lowest setting. Cover and cook for 15 minutes or until the liquid is absorbed.
Step 4: Remove the pot from heat and let stand for 5 more minutes, covered.
Step 5: Remove the lid, Fluff it up with a fork. Serve.
I’m currently only have quinoa with salad, share with me how you eat them!
We’ll stick to Fruit Salad
Ya, me too, just eat together with my fruit or mesclun salad 🙂
Thanks for sharing this info. Looks like quite easy and straightforward to cook quinoa. I must try it one day. Very curious!
Yes, easy peasy steps 🙂
Oh, this is a superfood….with lots of healthy benefits. I’ve not tried it before as super healthy food doesn’t always go down well with me….kekeke! 😀 Well, it resembles rice, so I suppose you can cook and eat it like you would any rice recipes? 😉
I start eating quinoa because I normally skip rice during dinner and have meat & vegetables only. But I always ended up feeling not enough full, so must find solution lor >_<
This is very new to me to learn about Fluffy Quinoa. It would be good for my health.
Quinoa definitely healthier than white rice or even brown rice, try it!
My friends are all into quinoa except me. I have not jump into the bandwagon with them. I don’t think the boys will be keen but then again, never try, never know right?
Thank you for sharing how to cook this. Will be of great help should I decide to cook it one day.
Not really into it lah, just sometimes when I get bored of my usual salad I’ll add in this for a more substantial meal 🙂
your quinoa looks perfectly prepared! 🙂
Thanks Sean 🙂
Pingback: Yen Can Cook: Quinoa Salad with Grilled Black Pepper Chicken – Mimi's Dining Room
Pingback: Yen Can Cook: Quinoa Avocado Salad with Grilled Prawns – Mimi's Dining Room
Pingback: Yen Can Cook ~ Quinoa with Vegetables and Chicken (One Pot Dish) – Mimi's Dining Room