Quinoa is not a cereal, but it is often considered one. The Inca called her "chisiya mama" which means "mother of all seeds". Traditionally, the emperor of the Inca sowed the first seeds of the season using gold tools. Quinoa is high in protein and much lighter than other grains. It is also much easier to prepare than rice and is becoming more and more popular, especially among vegetarians who appreciate its high protein content.
Ingrediants
- 150 g of Quinoa
- 500 ml of water (or broth)
- Extra virgin olive oil for flavoring (optional)
- Half a teaspoon of salt (optional)
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Cooking on the Stove
Step 1. Rinse the quinoa grains in the water
You can skip this step if you purchased canned clean quinoa. If not, put it in a colander or cheesecloth to wash it under running water for a few minutes. It is used to eliminate the saponins which, otherwise, would give the quinoa a bitter taste.
Step 2. Toast the beans in a pan (optional)
Pour some extra virgin olive oil into a pan and place it on a stove over medium-high heat. Add the quinoa and let it cook for about 1 minute. This process will allow you to get a nutty flavor.
Step 3. Cook the quinoa
Put two parts of water (or broth) and one part of quinoa. Cook over medium-high heat and bring the liquid to a boil. Then cover with a lid and turn the heat down. Simmer for about 15 minutes or until the kernels become translucent and the white germs form a spiral visible from the outside.
Try to cook it al dente, just like pasta. Remember that quinoa will continue to cook for some time after taking it off the heat
Step 4. Remove the quinoa from the heat and let it rest, lid closed, for 5 minutes
This way, it will have time to absorb the moisture in the pan.
Step 5. Remove the lid and stir the beans with a fork
The quinoa should have a light, fluffy appearance, and you should be able to distinguish the germ from the seed.
Step 6. Serve her immediately
Quinoa must be served still hot to keep the flavor and nutrients intact. You can:
- Sauté it in a pan, instead of rice.
- Add the curry.
- Add it to the braised meat.
- Add it to a salad.
- You can create as many flavor combinations as you like!
Method 2 of 3: Cooking in the rice cooker
Step 1. Rinse one cup of quinoa in a fine mesh colander under cold water
If you bought it packaged, this step is not mandatory, but it is advisable to do it in any case, to avoid nasty surprises.
Step 2. Pour it into the rice cooker
If you prefer, you can toast the quinoa before putting it in the rice cooker. Read the second step of the previous method for more information.
Step 3. Add two cups of liquid and half a teaspoon of salt to the rice cooker
You can use whatever you like, choosing from water, chicken broth or vegetable broth.
Step 4. Cook the quinoa for about 15 minutes
Some risotto dishes have different types of cooking settings. Try cooking for "white rice" if it is available.
Step 5. Let it sit for 5 minutes
Then, stir it up with a fork and serve it.
Method 3 of 3: Bake in the Oven
Step 1. Preheat the oven at 175 ° C.
Place a shelf in the center of the oven.
Step 2. Rinse a cup of quinoa in a fine mesh colander under cold water
Step 3. Pour some extra virgin olive oil into a medium sized saucepan and heat it on a medium low heat stove
Step 4. Add the onion, peppers, mushrooms, and any other vegetables or herbs you like to the pot
Cook the ingredients until the onion has become translucent, without letting it burn. Along with the onion, cook the peppers or other vegetables slowly as well.
Step 5. Add the quinoa and salt
Stir carefully to mix all the ingredients and allow the salt to dissolve. About thirty seconds should be enough for this step.
Step 6. Add 240ml of broth and 240ml of water
Bring the liquid to a boil using medium-high heat.
Step 7. As soon as the broth reaches a boil, transfer the preparation to a high-sided baking sheet
Spread the quinoa over the entire surface of the pan and cover it with aluminum foil.
Step 8. Place the pan in the oven and cook for about 20 minutes, or until most of the liquid has evaporated
Step 9. Remove the pan from the oven
Remove the aluminum foil and add some cheese or other toppings to your liking. Bake for another 5 minutes. After this time the quinoa should be cooked to perfection.
Step 10. Serve and enjoy your meal
Advice
- Quinoa sprouts in no time and the sprouts are very nutritious.
- Quinoa does not contain gluten.
- It is perfect for soups, salads, quiches and to add to the mince for burgers.
