How To Cook Quinoa: Quinoa Tips & Basic Recipe

Start with SV's simple quinoa recipe as a basis and complement for the delicious recipes listed below

Quinoa is light and easily digested. It also has the most complete nutrition and highest protein content of any grain, making it an ideal food for vegetarians and vegans.

Quinoa is simple to make, cooks very much like rice, and is absolutely delicious all by itself. Cooked quinoa is similar to couscous, but more substantial, tasty and nourishing.

Quinoa goes well in a variety of dishes, with spicy vegetarian stews, with potato dishes, in a veggie pilaf, or salad. It loves to be sauted and spiced. Check out the vegan quinoa recipes below for yummy things to do with your quinoa!

Basic Quinoa Recipe: 4 - 6 Servings: 2 quart pot with tight fitting lid

Ingredients:

• 1 cup quinoa
• 1 1/2 cups cold water
• 1/2 tsp salt

Cooking Directions:

1. Soak the quinoa first for 15 min - 1/2 hour in it's cooking pot. Soaking loosens up the outer coating of saponin, which can give a bitter taste if not removed.
2. If you don't have time for long soaking, use hot water and soak for five minutes, then give an extra rinse or two
3. Stir the quinoa with your hand, and carefully pour off the rinsing water, using a seive at the last.
4. Put the quinoa back in the pot, add more water, and rinse again two or three more times, until the rinse water is pretty clear
5. Drain quinoa well in the seive.
6. Place quinoa in the pot, add the water & salt.
7. Bring to a boil, cover with a tight fitting lid, and turn the heat down to simmer.
8. Cook for 20 minutes.
9. Remove from heat and allow to sit five minutes with lid on.
10. Fluff gently with a fork and serve. Quinoa is delicious on it's own or in any of the recipes below