A lot of people are a bit confused about Quinoa and I can safely say I was a bit scared of it to begin with, but it is something that I have fallen in love with since going gluten free.
So I really wanted to write a posts which explains all the benefits of quinoa, as well as a one stop guide to cooking it.
Top Quinoa Tips
- Quinoa is prenounced Keen-wah
- Naturally GF
- Comes in various different colours- White, Red & Black- I have only used white so far.
- Quinoa is a seed and not a grain, so can be eaten on grain free diets.
- Always rinse before cooking – as quinoa is natural coated in saponin, which can make it taste bitter or soapy.
- You know quinoa is cooked when you should see tiny spirals like a little tails, separating from and curling around the quinoa seed.
Benefits of Quinoa
- It has been named one of the healthiest foods out there- very much a superfood!
- It is one of the most protein-rich foods out there, it is a complete protein containing all nine essential amino acids.
- Rich source of fibre, iron, magnisium, Riboflavin (B2)
- And has anti inflammatory properties
Perfect way to cook
Ingredients
- 1 cup quinoa (any variety — white or golden, red, or black)
- 2 cups liquid, such as broth or water
- 1 tsp coconut oil or virgin olive oil
Instructions
- Measure out 1 cup quinoa and 2 cups liquid.
- Place the quinoa in a fine sieve , and rinse thoroughly with cool water. Rub and swish the quinoa with your hand while rinsing, and rinse for at least 2 minutes under the running water. Drain.
- Dry and toast quinoa in saucepan. Heat a drizzle of olive oil in the saucepan over medium heat, and add the drained quinoa. Cook, stirring, for about 1 minute, letting the water evaporate.
- Add liquid and bring to a boil. Stir in the liquid and bring to a rolling boil.
- Lower heat and cook covered for 15 minutes.
- Let stand for 5 minutes, covered.
- Fluff the quinoa gently with a fork, and serve.
Recipes
Harissa Chicken with Quinoa Salad (Link)
Halloumi & Roasted Mediteran Vegetables with Quinoa (Link)
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