Quinoa (pronounced Keen-Wa) is an incredible grain that we love. It is a complete protein packed with iron, copper, zinc, magnesium, folate, lysine, and other essential amino acids. Along with zero saturated fat and fiber, it is a grain you want to stock up on.
There are a few basic steps in cooking quinoa that are left off of package directions.
- First of all, rinse your quinoa by covering it with cold water rinsing it thoroughly.
- Then drain it through a fine mesh strainer. Allow it to drain and dry for about 20 minutes to remove all the water. Skipping this step will lead to mushy grains.
- Once the quinoa has dried, toast it in a dry pan until you smell the nutty flavor....about 5 minutes. This removes any water that may have been left behind by the rinse.
- Remove the quinoa from the pan, set aside.
- Cook 1 part quinoa to 1.5 parts water, broth, vegetable juice, or any taste yo may want.
- Bring the water/broth to a rapid boil in a sauce pan.
- Add toasted quinoa and cover. Put the lid at an angle allowing the steam to escape.
- Reduce the heat to medium-low to maintain a strong simmer.
- Cook for 16 minutes or until all of the water is gone.
- Remove from heat and remove the lid.
- Allow to cool and rest for ten minutes and then fluff with a fork.
- It is ready to make a delicious quinoa salad!
Quinoa Salad:
Cooked quinoa
Finely chopped broccoli
Finely chopped cauliflower
Finely chopped cucumber
Quartered sweet cherry tomatoes
Finely chopped artichoke hearts
Feta cheese
Slivered almonds
Sunflower seeds
Italian dressing
Mix all ingredients together and eat. Yummy! You can add anything to this salad. Other ideas are:
Red onion
Green onion
Asparagus
Avacodo
Parmesan cheese
Goat cheese
Olives
Craisins
Any kind of meat chunks
Fresh herbs
Any favorite dressing
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