| There are basically three ways in which you can cook | | | | vegetarians will be delighted to hear that Quinoa is a |
| your Quinoa; boiling in water, soaking in hot water to | | | | great source of protein. |
| allow for absorption or steaming. Always bear in mind | | | | Quinoa cooks basically the same as rice and as long |
| that Quinoa, like rice, will increase in size when cooked | | | | as you soak your quinoa for about 15 minutes to an |
| to about three or four times its original size. Once the | | | | hour prior to cooking, the actual cooking process |
| grains are tender and have a springy texture, your | | | | should take about 20 minutes. |
| Quinoa is ready to eat. Eating it uncooked is not | | | | Use Quinoa in Salads |
| recommended as the seeds tend to be bitter but | | | | Cooked it can be used both hot and cold salads. |
| cooked it will compliment beans, couscous, stews and | | | | When making a cold salad, mix the quinoa with salad |
| rice to name only a few. With the health benefits of | | | | vegetable and add a salad dressing. For hot salads |
| eating Quinoa, how can you not eat this super food? | | | | use it together with cheese, tofu or roasted |
| Different Methods for Cooking Quinoa | | | | vegetables. |
| Steaming: Steaming is a popular choice when cooking | | | | Serve Quinoa Instead of Meat |
| grain but also takes more time than any of the other | | | | Quinoa works great with chili dishes and because of its |
| methods. It is therefore advisable that you use | | | | texture it can replace minced meat in any dish. It can |
| steaming in conjunction with cooking or absorption | | | | also be used to make vegetarian or vegan burger |
| (soaking). Steaming allows the grain to slowly absorb | | | | patties. |
| the moisture and will give you evenly cooked grains. | | | | Skip the Rice, Server Quinoa |
| Boiling: This is the easiest way to cook your Quinoa. | | | | The next time you are making a risotto or pilaf try |
| Boil it by cooking it at a medium temperature in 2 cups | | | | using Quinoa instead of rice. Give it the flavor by |
| of water to every cup of Quinoa. Once it is cooked | | | | cooking it in a stock. |
| use a colander to drain the excess water from the | | | | Add Quinoa in Your Soup |
| grains. | | | | To make a thick lentil soup how about using Quinoa |
| Absorption: Cooking your Quinoa by absorption is | | | | instead of lentils or add it to your vegetable soup to |
| more challenging than boiling it but with a little practice | | | | make it even more wholesome. |
| you will soon get it right. Absorption requires that the | | | | Quinoa Porridge |
| grains are cooked in a specific amount of liquid that | | | | By cooking it and adding honey, brown sugar, some |
| can be absorbed by the grain. The amount of liquid | | | | dried fruit and cinnamon you can make a nutritious and |
| you will need to use depends on the quantity of it you | | | | very filling porridge. |
| want to cook. | | | | Bake with Quinoa |
| Tips for Cooking Quinoa | | | | It will add texture to biscuits, cakes and muffins if you |
| It can be used in both savory and sweet dishes and | | | | substitute a portion of flour with some quinoa. |