3 methods for cooking quinoa correctly

If you want to learn how to cook quinoa this article is for you. All the tips you need to prepare delicious dishes with this grain crop that is mainly in the Andean region of South America, with an almost worldwide reach for its nutritional value and culinary versatility.

Quinoa is a pseudo cereal more than a real cereal, since it does not belong to the grass family. As food, it is relatively new in the western world, since it has only gained popularity in recent decades.

Before cooking, prepare quinoa correctly

Quinoa can be used in sweet or salty dishes, as a substitute for rice or pasta, or as a grain crop in itself. It is also becoming more and more popular as breakfast cereal, either alone or added to other cereals. There is one thing that is safe: before learning how to cook Quinoa, necessary that we review some issues that I tell you here!

Is it necessary to wash the quinoa?

Yes, before cooking quino it is necessary to wash it correctly. This will help eliminate any saponin , which can give quinoa a bitter taste.

How to wash quinoa correctly?

To wash the quinoa, simply place it in a fine mesh strainer and rinse with cold running water. Be sure to rinse quinoa, since any saponin residue will make quinoa a bitter taste. Once the quinoa is rinsed, you can cook it immediately or save it in a hermetic container in the refrigerator up to a week.

Tips for storing quinoa

• To prevent quinoa from becoming soft, it is important to rinse it well before cooking it.
• Quinoa can be stored in a hermetic container in the fridge up to a week.

How long does quinoa last in the refrigerator?

The cooked quinoa endures between 4 and 7 days in a hermetic and refrigerated container.

How long does quinoa last in the freezer?

The cooked quinoa can be saved in the freezer up to 6 months.

How to cook quinoa perfectly

There are different ways of cooking quinoa, depending on the dish you want to prepare. Then I explain the most common methods.

Method 1: Traditional cooking with water

The first thing you have to do before cooking quinoa is to rinse it in a fine mesh strainer. Then we go with the most basic procedure that is to cook it over low heat for about 15 minutes. The step -by -step procedure:

1. In a saucepan, put two glasses of water for each glass of quinoa with a little salt and take to the fire.
2. Once you are boiling over medium heat for 15 minutes, with the lid on. You have to stir from time to time be careful that the water is not evaporated.
3. We realize that quinoa is cooked when it has folded its size. If necessary, water can be removed by drafting it through a strainer or gauze.

Method 2: Cook Quinoa with broth

This method is used when you want to add more flavor to quinoa. Season the broth with salt, pepper and any other spice you want, you can even add vegetables. On the ideal stage the broth must boil for a while so that it really has flavor and can adhere to quinoa during cooking.

While the proportions are the same as in method 1, you should measure the water cups only after the broth is prepared (during the process a lot of water will evaporate).

Method 3: Cook Quinoa to the microwave

This is the fastest way to cook quinoa. Simply combine quinoa rinsed with water or broth in a microwave suitable container. Cook at maximum power for 3 minutes, then aspire with a fork and serve it.

What recipes can I use Quinoa?

Some of the most popular recipes with this ingredient are salads, quinoa bowls and hamburgers. It can also be used as a substitute for rice or pasta in many dishes, and you can play with your creativity to incorporate it into countless dishes!

Here is a list of recipes with Quinoa , some celebrities and others not so much but all delicious:

1. Quinoa Pilaf
2. Quinoa salad with roasted vegetables
3. Quinoa with lemon and garlic
4. Quinoa Mediterranean Salad
5. Quinoa bowl with Thai peanuts
6. Quinoa salad with black beans and corn
7. Easy quinoa cake with cheese
8. Quinoa casserole from the southwest
9. Quinoa bowls for breakfast on a single portion
10. Quinoa bowl for breakfast pumpkin spice Latte