Quinoa has earned the nickname of "superfood", gaining great popularity, because it is rich in nutrients and easy to prepare. You can quickly cook it in the microwave using water and a suitable bowl. It will be ready once it has absorbed the water and softened. Serve it to accompany a second course or use it as a substitute for rice or other cereals.
Ingrediants
- 1 cup (170 g) quinoa (any color)
- 2 cups (470 ml) of water
Makes 3 cups (560 g)
Steps
Method 1 of 2: Cook Quinoa in the Microwave
Step 1. Rinse the quinoa
Measure 1 cup (170 g) of quinoa and place it in a fine mesh colander. Put it in the sink and let cold water run over the quinoa. Wash it for a few seconds to remove the bitter taste that characterizes it.
Any type of quinoa can be used for this recipe. Try for example the red, the white, the black or the tricolor
Step 2. Mix the quinoa with the water
Move the washed quinoa to a medium-sized bowl suitable for microwaves. Pour 2 cups (470 ml) of water and mix well.
Step 3. Cover the bowl
Place a microwave-safe lid on the container and place it in the oven. You can use a plate if it has no lid, as long as it is safe for microwave cooking.
Step 4. Cook the quinoa for 6 minutes
Turn on the microwave, set it to maximum power and let it cook for 6 minutes.
Step 5. Stir the quinoa
Open the microwave door and lift the lid off the bowl, being careful not to burn yourself with the steam that escapes. Stir the quinoa to finish cooking evenly. Put on an oven mitt to keep the hot bowl steady.
Quinoa should absorb a good portion of the water
Step 6. Microwave the quinoa for another 2 minutes
Put the bowl back in the microwave and put the lid back on. Cook it for another 2 minutes.
Step 7. Let the quinoa rest for 5-10 minutes
Let the cooked quinoa sit in the microwave for 5-10 minutes without removing the lid from the bowl. This way, it will eventually absorb the remaining water.
Step 8. Shell the quinoa and serve it
Carefully remove the hot bowl from the microwave, then shell the cooked quinoa with a fork. Serve it while it is hot and let it cool before storing. Store it in an airtight container. You can keep it in the fridge for 6 or 7 days.
Method 2 of 2: Variants to Try
Step 1. Make quinoa for breakfast
Mix the raw quinoa with the water, then add a sprinkle of cinnamon and a knob of butter. Cook it in the microwave and then crumble it with a fork. Spiced quinoa can be accompanied with a drizzle of maple syrup, whipped cream, and fresh fruit (like bananas and berries).
For a quick breakfast, you can accompany it with flavored yogurt, granola or dried fruit
Step 2. Make a broccoli, chicken, and quinoa dish
Cut a raw chicken breast into strips and mix it with a handful of broccoli. Add a clove of minced garlic and fresh ginger. Pour about a tablespoon (15 ml) of water, a drizzle of soy sauce, and a drizzle of sesame oil into the bowl. Cover it and cook in the microwave for 4 minutes. The chicken must be well cooked, otherwise let it cook again. Serve the dish with the quinoa you made.
Make sure the chicken reaches a core temperature of 74 ° C. Measure it with an instant-read thermometer
Step 3. Make a legume, cheese and quinoa dish
Pour a tablespoon of cooked quinoa into a microwave-safe bowl. Stir in some black beans and a chopped pepper. Sprinkle a handful of cheddar cut into strips and microwave for 1 to 2 minutes. Garnish with avocado slices, sour cream, or a sauce of your choice.
