Quinoa is one of nature’s superfoods and a dietician’s dream. This nutty-tasting, gluten-free grain delivers a healthy dose of fiber and is one of the only plant foods that is a complete protein, providing all 9 essential amino acids. Plus, this nutritional powerhouse of a grain happens to be incredibly delicious.
That said, some find cooking quinoa to be a bit tricky. However, achieving fluffy quinoa is waaayyy easier than you think! With a few simple tricks, you can end up with light and fluffy quinoa EVERY SINGLE TIME. There are two kitchen staples that I find making quinoa easy and delicious. Those being a rice cooker and any type of broth. With these 2 items you can make great tasting quinoa in under 15 minutes that turns out exactly how you want it!
6 Tips for Cooking the Perfect Quinoa…
Tip #1 – Rinse your dry quinoa in water before cooking (unless you use a pre-rinsed quinoa).
Tip #2 – Don’t follow the directions on the package. Most directions say to cook 1 cup quinoa in 2 cups liquid. This is way to much and will produce mushy quinoa. Instead use 1 part dry quinoa to 1½ parts broth. (For example: 1 cup dry quinoa to 1½ cups beef broth)
Tip #3 – Use Broth instead of water. Cooking in water will work, but cooking in chicken, vegetable, beef, or mushroom stock will taste much better.
Tip #4 – Use a rice cooker. The stove top works also, but a rice cooker is simple and quick; leaving you with the perfect quinoa every time.
Tip #5 – Let your quinoa rest. After cooking, let quinoa sit for 5-10 minutes (no peeking).
Tip #6 – Fluff your cooked quinoa with a fork once it has rested. DO NOT use a spoon!
My favorite quinoa right now is Bob’s Red Mill Organic Quinoa. This quinoa is pre-rinsed, saving me a step before cooking. It has a great tasting flavor that works in salads, stir-fries, soups, veggie burgers, or just as the perfect side dish to any meal. To check out why you must add quinoa to your daily diet, click HERE! And for my favorite new Greek salad recipe that is loaded with quinoa, click HERE!
Eat Yourself Skinny!
hi, thanks for that post! I ‘m thinking about gluten-free diet. Could you suggest any other grains should I think about when being on gluten – free diet? and how to choose the best grains? I do not want to buy whole stuff in shops with diatary food… How to choose the best quinoa when shopping in my favourite supermarket? Recently, I had quinoa on my shopping list and my shopping list mobile app come up with tip like that: http://www.listonic.com/protips/get/cpwuhaubhv . Do you agree?