Quinoa Cooking Instructions

Quinoa is gaining popularity due to its plethora of health benefits. Touted for its high protein and gluten-free properties, this grain is a savior for people with a gluten allergy or celiac disease. Vegans and athletes are also drawn to it, due to its high protein attributes.

Quinoa is considered to be superior to rice or wheat, simply because its iron content is ten times more readily absorbed into the body as compared to that in wheat, rice, or corn. It is also high in fiber, magnesium, and phosphorous. Besides being nutritious, it is also flavorful and can be enjoyed in a variety of ways.

Cooking this grain involves a simple method, and is similar to how we prepare brown rice. Quinoa doubles in size while cooking, which must be kept in mind while determining the quantity required.

Take a cup (or required quantity) of quinoa and soak it in a bowl of water for an hour. Soaking quinoa for over 6 hours is ideal, because this will decrease its cooking time by almost half.

Transfer the soaked quinoa to a mesh or strainer, and allow cold running water to wash the grain. Thorough rinsing ought to be carried out, so as to get rid of the bitter taste caused by the saponin content in the quinoa. Once the water leaving the strainer is clear, you know your grains have been rinsed thoroughly.

Transfer the rinsed quinoa grain into a cooking pot, and add double the amount of water. You can also use chicken broth or vegetable stock as the cooking liquid. Don't be apprehensive about the water quantity. Excess water can always be drained off, while more water can always be added to the pot, if the quantity you added isn't adequate.

Add a few drops of olive oil to prevent the grains from sticking, and add a little salt for taste. Place the lid over the pot and allow it to come to a boil. Once the water comes to a boil, turn down the heat and allow it to simmer in the pot for 15 minutes.

Then, turn off the heat and let it sit for a minute or two. Fluff up the cooked quinoa using a fork and enjoy your meal.

Quinoa tastes good with a bit of lemon, olive oil, and salt. However, there are various other ways you can enjoy this grain as well. One way is by preparing a lovely salad.

Ingredients

• Lemon juice (juice of two limes)
• Lemon zest (one lime)
• 2 tbsp. red wine vinegar
• ½ cup olive oil (extra virgin)
• ¼ tsp. cumin
• Salt and pepper to taste

• 1 cup red organic quinoa
• 2 cups chicken broth (or water)
• 1 can chickpeas (drained and rinsed)
• 1 can sweet corn
• ¼ cup chopped parsley
• 1 large tomato (diced)
• ¼ cup dried cranberries
• ¼ cup chopped cilantro
• ½ red onion (diced)
• Avocado (optional)

Preparation Procedure

For the vinaigrette, take the first six ingredients from the list and blend them in a blender. For the quinoa salad, pour the chicken broth into a saucepan and bring it to a boil. Add the rinsed quinoa to it and cover it with a lid. Allow the quinoa to simmer in the broth for the next 20 minutes, or until all the broth gets absorbed.

In another bowl, combine the corn, tomato, onion, and chickpeas together. Now, add the cooked quinoa to it. Add cilantro, cranberries, and parsley, and mix again. Pour the vinaigrette into the mixture, and keep adding it until the desired flavor is obtained. Cut thin slices of avocado and decorate the salad with it. Your lovely quinoa salad is ready!

Quinoa can be found in the baking aisles of natural food stores or even in the bulk bins. You can also purchase quinoa online. You can have quinoa with fish, spicy gravy, feta, or even add it to casseroles, soups, stews, stir fries, etc.