Cooking fluffy quinoa using just 1 ingredient, quinoa. Add ½ teaspoon of salt if you prefer but no salt allows you to season and add into prep food as you go for the entire week. I prefer adding seasonings and a little olive oil just before I use it but to each his own. Loads of protein, fiber and gluten free - you cannot go wrong.
I love how healthier food options has fast become the norm with the ingredients no longer as difficult to find! Not so long ago it was difficult to find lot's of these ingredients in the stores and now so many places are stocking a variety. That meas that there is no longer any excuse to eat healthy and prepare wholesome nutritious meals for your family.
That nutty taste and texture gets you cleaning the bowl. Like many grains (even though this is actually a seed) quinoa is the base for many meals. Also a lighter healthier substitute for perhaps rice or pasta.
Why Rinse Quinoa
I remember the first time I cooked quinoa and I rinsed it under a running tap and then I noticed that while rinsing the water foamed. My curiosity was peaked so a little of Google was happening and that's where I educated myself in this seed. So there is something called saponin which covers the quinoa in an effort to protect the quinoa from pests, however it also causes a bitter taste when cooked that's why we rinse it and that's why you will see a little foamy water.
Also, as a side note, for me its practice to rinse dry ingredients that come in packages, like lentils.
I have always loved quinoa and still do, I think that besides the fact that it's easy to prepare it has great texture and is extremely versatile. If you love quinoa too then definitely make enough to store in the fridge, it stays good for a couple of days and is a quick add to bowl food and salads.
Types of Quinoa
Red and white is of-course bolder in comparison to the white quinoa so if you are looking for earthy colors to brighten up your meal then this option would be it. I keep both the white and the mixed color packages. The white is a bit less of a burst in the mouth in terms of taste and sometimes that's what you are wanting.
How To Use Quinoa
It's a very easy and friendly grain or seed to use so just think of it as a healthier substitute to rice, potatoes, pasta and any other heavier staple that you may use. Add quinoa into salads, wraps, breakfast or even if you are making lentils add a little in. I normally measure out 1 cup of dry quinoa when cooking it to 2 cups of water and it gives me quite a bit. So with that quantity you could make a salad, keep in an airtight container in the fridge for about 4 days without it losing it's texture. A good 4 meals of quinoa being added to a meal can come out of that so that's your week prep sorted.
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Cooking Fluffy Quinoa Every Time
Tips and Suggestions
Even though technically, cooking quinoa is easy it can become demotivating when you cook it and it comes out overcooked. Here are simple things to remember in order for your quinoa to come out fluffy.
- drop the heat twice. First when it reaches a boil and then 5 minutes later drop it just a little more and then let it simmer on very low until the water has all evaporated.
- cook quinoa with the lid on!
- let it steam for 5 minutes with the lid on after you've turned the heat off.
That's it guys, that's it.
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FAQ'S
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Cooking Fluffy Quinoa
Ingredients
- 1 cup quinoa
- 2 cups water
- ¼ teaspoon salt to taste
Instructions
- Rinse the quinoa in a fine mesh strainer.
- Pour the quinoa into a pot/saucepan, add the water and bring it to the boil.Once it begins to boil lower the heat to a simmer. 5 minutes later, lower the heat even more. Continue to simmer, no lid.
- It will cook for about 10 to 15 minutes depending on your stove. Take a peek to check if the water is absorbed, take it off the heat and continue leaving it on the pot to steam for another 5 minutes with the lid on.
- Remove the lid and fluff with a fork. Welcome to fluffy quinoa every time!
Roxy says
Thank you for these tips! I have made a few times and yet to be happy with it as it’s never turned out quite the way I wanted !
Ornella says
This is so educational and helpful! I found it really interesting. Thanks for the tips!