The cooking time for quinoa in a pot is quick. How do you cook boiled quinoa? Cold water or hot water? The most natural and easy method is absorption, starting with cold water. Alternatively, if boiling, just add it to plenty of hot water. The servings per person can vary based on the final use: if as a side dish, a smaller portion will suffice, while if as a main dish, the quantity will be larger.
This gluten-free pseudocereal is rich in proteins, fibers, vitamins, and minerals. With its slightly nutty taste and crunchy texture, it is a great alternative to rice and pasta. It is perfect for those following a gluten-free diet.
RECIPES – cooking cereals
- Difficulty: Easy
- Cost: Cheap
- Rest time: 10 Minutes
- Preparation time: 5 Minutes
- Portions: 2People
- Cooking methods: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Healthy
- Seasonality: All seasons
- Energy 376.00 (Kcal)
- Carbohydrates 57.80 (g) of which sugars 5.30 (g)
- Proteins 15.40 (g)
- Fat 8.10 (g) of which saturated 2.72 (g)of which unsaturated 5.35 (g)
- Fibers 12.20 (g)
- Sodium 396.98 (mg)
Indicative values for a portion of 325 g processed in an automated way starting from the nutritional information available on the CREA* and FoodData Central** databases. It is not food and / or nutritional advice.
* CREATES Food and Nutrition Research Center: https://www.crea.gov.it/alimenti-e-nutrizione https://www.alimentinutrizione.it ** U.S. Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service. FoodData Central, 2019. https://fdc.nal.usda.gov
Cooking quinoa
The serving per person varies based on the final use:
🍀 Side dish: 50-60 grams (about 1 cup cooked)
🍀 Main dish: 80-100 grams (about 1.5 cups cooked)
- 200 g quinoa
- 400 g water
- to taste coarse salt
Find below the nutritional values of 100 g of dry quinoa (which corresponds to more than 300 g of cooked quinoa)
Tools
- Saucepan stainless steel
- Lid for small pot
- Sieve fine mesh
What happens if you don’t rinse it?
If you don’t rinse quinoa, you might taste a bitter flavor and an unpleasant aftertaste due to the saponins (natural compounds present in its coating). Not rinsing it can also make it less digestible. To avoid these issues, it’s recommended to rinse it well before cooking, and even better, to soak it for a few minutes or even a few hours.
Rinse the quinoa under running water using a fine mesh sieve, as its grains are very small.
Once rinsed, pour it into a pot with double its weight in cold water, add salt, and bring to a boil.
Lower the heat and cover with a lid.
Cook for about 15 minutes (in a pressure cooker, it cooks in 7 minutes).
After the time has passed, turn off the heat and let it rest in the covered pot for another 10 minutes or until the cooking water is completely absorbed.
How to tell if quinoa is cooked? Look at the grains: they should become translucent and reveal a small white sprout. Also, taste a grain to check the texture; it should be tender but slightly al dente. If the water is completely absorbed, the quinoa is ready.
Once cooked, fluff the quinoa with a fork and season to taste with a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil, or with lemon, soy sauce, herbs, sesame seeds, or a sprinkle of grated cheese.
Bring the water to a boil (3-4 times the weight of the quinoa) and salt it. Add the rinsed quinoa and cook for 20 minutes or until reaching the desired level of doneness. Drain.
How can quinoa be eaten?
🍀Use it as a base for salads, bowls, or one-dish meals.
🍀Add to soups or stews to make them heartier.
🍀Sauté in a pan with vegetables, spices, and protein for a quick dish.
🍀Use as a stuffing for peppers, zucchini, or stuffed tomatoes.
🍀Prepare veggie burgers or patties by mixing it with legumes and vegetables.
🍀Make sweet breakfasts by pairing it with fruit, yogurt, and honey.
🍀Create a warm porridge by cooking it with plant-based milk and toppings of choice.
STORAGE
To store cooked quinoa, let it cool and place it in an airtight container in the refrigerator, where it will keep for up to 5 days.
For longer preservation, freeze it in food bags and consume within 3 months. Before eating, simply reheat it in a pan or microwave, adding a bit of water if needed to prevent drying out.
FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
What are the benefits of eating quinoa?
Eating quinoa is beneficial for muscle strengthening, aiding digestion, and controlling cholesterol thanks to its proteins and fibers. Being gluten-free, it is perfect for those with celiac disease, and it also provides minerals such as magnesium and iron for overall wellness.
When should you not eat quinoa?
It is best to avoid quinoa if you have an allergy to the plant, severe kidney issues, or gastrointestinal disorders such as irritable bowel syndrome.
