Quinoa is fast gaining popularity as the most staple side dish, knocking rice off its position on our menus. Don't be hesitant to try your hands at this superfood. Follow our recipe and have your fluffy quinoa rice in no time.
RECIPE NAME
How to cook quinoa rice
COOKING TIME
35mins
Recipe Type
Side dish
CUISINE
Native American
COOKING METHOD
Boiling
NUTRITION
Currently, health trends are canceling out gluten-rich foods and replacing them with superfoods such as quinoa rice. It is an organically grown gluten-free non- GMO seed, usually preferred to be cooked as rice.
Quinoa is known to be in two important flavonoids namely Quercetin and Kaempferol. These two compounds are rich in anti-cancer, anti-viral, anti-inflammatory and antidepressant properties. Its fiber content is incredulously high as compared to other grains. Even though most of its fiber is insoluble, its soluble fiber is still quite at a decent amount.
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INGREDIENTS
- 2 cups uncooked quinoa (preferably the white variety)
- 4 cups water/broth (for cooking)
- 1 tbsp. olive oil
- 1 tsp. salt
INSTRUCTIONS
(It is a very important step when cooking quinoa because it has an outer coating called saponin. Saponin has the tendency to make the cooked grains taste soapy or bitter)
- Rinse your quinoa thoroughly. Place into a strainer and run a lot of water through. Using your hand, rub the grains between your palms, to make sure they are properly cleaned. Drain out all excess water.
- Heat the olive oil in a pan until hot. Pour in your clean quinoa and allow to simmer. Stir continuously until it looks a bit dry and toasted.
- Add your water/ broth and salt. Cover and bring to a boil. Once it boils over, reduce heat and simmer for about 20-25mins.
- Turn off heat. Do not open the cover. Allow it to cool for about 5-8mins.
- Uncover the pot and fluff with your spoon. Your quinoa is ready to be served!
SERVING SIZE
4 persons
READ ALSO: How to prepare Quinoa stir-fry with chicken
ABOUT QUINOA RICE
A lot of people are going in for quinoa rice instead of regular rice, especially on their weight loss journey. Its naturally sweet nutty flavor gives “rice” dishes a fluffy delicate texture, which is why most people would opt to cook quinoa.
Quinoa is technically a seed but once boiled, looks much like couscous. It also comes in about 120 different varieties, so you never have to get bored eating the same quinoa all the time. The 3 popular varieties in our local stores are the black, white and red. I would advise first-timers to try the white variety first, for it’s a neutral easy flavor.
Despite being excellent as a side dish, don’t limit yourself from the wonderful creations from quinoa. Add it to your salads for a nice fluffy texture. Or drizzle a bit into your casserole dish. Better still begin your day with quinoa breakfast porridge.