How Do You Cook Quinoa?

Sharing a simple method for the question – How Do You Cook Quinoa?

Step for Cooking Quinoa

This is the way we cook quinoa –

• Place 1 cup dry quinoa and 1 3/4 cup vegetable broth in a medium pot
• Bring to boil
• Reduce heat to low, cover and simmer for 15 minutes
• Remove from heat, remain covered and let sit for 10 minutes
• Remove lid and fluff with fork

Other Ways to Cook Quinoa

There are many other ways to cook quinoa. Typically quinoa comes with preparation instructions on the package. You can also use water in place of vegetable broth.

Many other recipes we’ve tried add fresh herbs or seasoning at the end the cooking process. It just depends how you’ll be using your quinoa. We typically use it in salads so we leave it unseasoned as the salads have lots of flavor already.

What is Quinoa

According to the Whole Grains Council, quinoa is a gluten-free, whole-grain carbohydrate and a protein at the same time.

If you want to get technical about it, quinoa is considered a “pseudo-cereal” because it actually is a seed. However, the way we eat quinoa resembles a grain so folks decided it could just be called a grain.

Quinoa originated in the Andes Mountains of South America. According to Ancient Grains – “It originated with the Incas in the mountains of Bolivia, Chile and Peru. It’s been at the forefront in these regions for 5,000 years. It was a staple for the Incas and is still a prominent food source for their indigenous descendants, the Quechua and Aymara people. It was a sacred crop to the Incas who called it the mother of all grains or chisaya mama. The legend states that the Incan emperor would ceremoniously plant the first quinoa seeds every year”.

Nutrition Benefits of Quinoa

Quinoa is a mighty little ancient grain! It’s naturally gluten free, which means those with celiac disease can enjoy it but it also boasts –

• 8 grams of protein per 1 cup
• 5 grams of fiber per 1 cup
• vitamin B
• magnesium
• iron

How do you Enjoy Quinoa?

It makes a great addition to many meals and is also great a side dish on it’s own. Some of our favorite recipes that use quinoa include –

• Build Your Own Mediterranean Grain Bowls
• Quinoa and Fresh Herb Salad
• Hearty Quinoa Salad – Meatless Monday Recipe