Best Instant Pot Quinoa Recipes | Quinoa Recipes you HAVE to try! (2024)

FAQs

What to add to quinoa to make it taste good? ›

Lemon Herb Quinoa: This is one of my go-to side dishes to serve with meat. It is made by cooking quinoa with onion and garlic and then mixing it with lemon juice, lemon zest, and fresh parsley. Quinoa Lentil recipe: Cooking quinoa and green lentils together is a great way to flavor otherwise tasteless quinoa.

*Soaking grains helps to remove some of the naturally occurring phytic acid in the grain, which helps improve digestibility and speed cook time. To soak: Rinse quinoa thoroughly then add to a large mixing bowl or pot and cover with twice the amount of lukewarm water (2 cups water, 1 cup quinoa).

directions. Pour 1 cup quinoa into a fine strainer and rinse thoroughly under cool water-this will get rid of it's natural, bitter coating. I find this method helpful too-pour quinoa into a medium bowl, add cold water and swish around with your hand.

STEP 3: Once rinsed, add to a pot with water. You always want to use a 1:2 ratio of quinoa to water. So, if you're cooking 1 cup of dry, you'll want to use 2 cups of water. If you're cooking 1/2 cup dry, use 1 cup of water and so on.

Easy ways to flavor quinoa: Broth: first and foremost, change up the liquid that you're using to cook your quinoa. Rather than using water, try to change it up for broth (veggie, chicken, beef, mushroom, etc). You can also use coconut milk if you're wanting something a little more creamy/tropical.

Quinoa is rich in both fiber and protein, contains a much higher amount of other nutrients, and has a similar fluffy texture to the rice. A cup of quinoa contains twice more protein and about 5 g more fiber than white rice. Quinoa contains fewer calories and carbohydrates than white rice.

Why Does Quinoa Need to Be Rinsed? Quinoa seeds grow with a natural coating called saponin that protects them from fungus and pests. Saponin has a bitter, soap-like flavor that will permeate cooked quinoa unless it's removed.

Studies suggest quinoa may improve gut health by enhancing the diversity of beneficial gut bacteria and reducing the inflammatory symptoms of conditions like colitis. Acting as a prebiotic, quinoa supplies the fuel for beneficial gut bacteria, allowing them to thrive.

If you don't have the time to soak quinoa, I recommend rinsing it under running water in a fine mesh strainer for at least 30 seconds. This will help to remove that bitter flavor that can sometimes be found in its outer coating, and it will greatly improve the flavor and texture in the final cooked dish.

Quinoa can be eaten raw or cooked, but it is most often eaten cooked. Quinoa is frequently used as a substitution for rice because it also takes on the flavor of what it is cooked with. Salads, tacos, and skillet dishes often incorporate quinoa.

Do you eat quinoa with a fork or spoon? ›

The quinoa is done cooking when the water has been absorbed and the germ has separated from the seed. Remove from the heat, remove the lid and allow to cool for 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork and enjoy!

Stir water, quinoa, lemon juice, lemon zest, parsley, basil, garlic, and seasoning blend together in a saucepan. Bring to a boil; reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer until quinoa is tender and water is absorbed, about 20 minutes. Let rest, covered, for 5 minutes; fluff with a fork.

The golden ratio is one cup of quinoa to one and three-quarter cups of water. Using these proportions can save you from a pot of mushy, overcooked, gummy quinoa.

Quinoa's got the carbs covered, so you'll likely want to add some additional protein (eggs, lentils, beans, tofu, chicken), a fat (olive oil, nuts, butter, cheese), and, ideally, some kind of fruit or vegetable (broccoli, berries, squash, spinach).

Always Rinse Your Quinoa

It only takes a few seconds, but it makes a huge difference. Quinoa comes with a natural coating that makes it taste bitterer than it otherwise might, and rinsing helps remove this coating. Make sure to rinse the quinoa thoroughly for best results.

The fiber in quinoa can also help with cholesterol and blood sugar levels, lowering your risk of diabetes and heart disease. Quinoa is rich in antioxidants, which can prevent damage to your heart and other organs. A diet high in antioxidants has been linked with a decreased risk of heart disease.

Quinoa is a nutritious choice for people looking for plant-based protein sources—it's a complete protein, containing all nine of the essential amino acids. Plus, its dietary fiber may help improve your digestion. Likewise, its fiber and protein content can help make you feel more satiated than other grains.

Whilst quinoa may well be considered on-trend, it is still far too often underestimated. Quinoa can be used for everything from a complete hot dish to a quick cold recipe! As a pioneer of the sacred seed, Priméal reveals all the grain's secrets for a healthier diet.