How to Cook Quinoa Like a Pro!

Published by Bat-El at January 29, 2023

Ingredients

1 cup quinoa
1 cup water

Optional for later:

Olive oil
Salt and pepper

Quinoa has been a huge part of my diet, as it contains a beautiful amount of plant-based protein, and it happen to also be gluten free. Quinoa can be a great substitute for rice, or, many times can totally be the main course when combined with other ingredient to complete it as a filling and nourishing meal. The problem is that, many times people complain that thay have a hard time enjoying quinoa for various reasons. I believe that it very much has to do with the cooking method they make the quinoa. I have found that by applying a few changes to the cooking process, the quinoa comes out so perfectly each time, and there are no strange flavors or textures that are not enjoyable. In this post you will learn how to cook plain quinoa that can be the base for many other dishes after its ready. Let me show you how.

Instructions

1) Measure 1 cup of dry quinoa and place it in a bowl. Add tap water and cover 2 inches above, dipping your hands to help the flotaing grains sinck down as much as you can. Allow the quinoa to soak for 4-8 hours, or even 1-2 hours, whatever time you've got, let it sit in the water.

2). After the quinoa was soaking for a couple of hours, drain it and wash thoroughly under running water until the wather runs nice and clear.

3). Place the quinoa in a pot. Add 1 cup of water and bring to a boil. (My rule is 1:1 ratio. For every cup of quinoa, we add only 1 cup of water).

4). And now, just like rice, once the quinoa is boiling, reduce the heat to simmer, and cook it on low for 15 minutes. Leaving the lid closed for another 5 minutes.

5). After 5 minutes open the pot and start fluff the grains with a fork. And now your quinoa is perfectly ready to enjoy.

6). I love drizzling 1 tbsp olive oil and a pinch of salt and pepper and mix, then serve it warm as a side dish.

Or if i just want to have it as a meal-prep in the fridge, i keep it plain in Pyrex dish and then use it for different purposes

Watch it on YouTube:

Like many other grains, I love starting by soaking the quinoa in water for as long as possible,

preferably over nights. But even 30 minutes will make a difference, so:

What are the benefits of soaking grains before cooking?

By soaking our grains, we help our body absorb minerals, and nutrients more easily.
It removes compounds in the grains that can cause gas and bloating
It decreases the amount of polyphenols and tannins in the grains.
The nutrients such as calcium, proteins, zinc and iron are absorbed in the body in higher levels.
Faster cooking time
Removes bitterness that can be found in the grains.

Same like rice, there are various methods how to cook quinoa, and each one will yield different results of texture and flavor. Years ago when I started eating quinoa, I cooked it according to the package instructions and I didn’t love it at all. It was very mushy and somewhat bitter due to its natural coating called saponins. But by soaking the quinoa in what for a couple of hours, or even 30 minutes. everything becomes so much more delicious and healthy too. So after experimenting with it, I have finally come to the results that I was looking for. And the best part, it has so many health benefits that can only happen when you are soaking your grains. I’ve been cooking quinoa this way on a weekly basis to have it ready for a quick salad, or nourishing bowls.

What is quinoa?

Quinoa is a nutritious, gluten-free, easy to grow seed, that is prepared and eaten like a grain. It was cultivated in South America hundreds of years ago by the Inca people whom liked to consider it as a sacred food.
Quinoa grows in 3 different colors: White, red, and black and it offers 8 grams of plant-based protein per cup.
It has 5 grams of fiber per serving, which keeps us satiated for longer, and a good source of zinc, folate, iron and magnesium.
Quinoa has important anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidants to keep us strong and healthy
Quinoa is amazing for people who consume a gluten-free diet, and for people who suffer from celiac disease, and look for better quality substitute, other than processed and refined grains.