The cooking time for quinoa on the stove 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 pour it into plenty of hot water. The servings per person can vary depending on the final use: if as a side dish, a smaller portion will suffice, while if as a main dish, the quantity will be greater.
This gluten-free pseudocereal is rich in protein, fiber, vitamins, and minerals. With its slightly nutty flavor and crunchy texture, it’s an excellent alternative to rice and pasta. It’s perfect for those following a gluten-free diet.
#cookinggrains
RECIPES – grain cooking
- Difficulty: Easy
- Cost: Economical
- 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 per person serving 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 over 300 g of cooked quinoa)
Tools
- Saucepan stainless steel
- Lid for saucepan
- Sieve fine mesh
What happens if you don’t rinse it?
If you don’t rinse quinoa, you might notice a bitter taste and an unpleasant aftertaste due to saponins (natural compounds present in its husk). 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 for several hours.
Rinse 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.
Reduce 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? Observe 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 has been 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 (3-4 times the weight of the quinoa) to a boil and salt it. Add the rinsed quinoa and cook for 20 minutes or until the desired level of doneness is reached. Drain.
How can quinoa be eaten?
🍀Use it as a base for salads, bowls, or main dishes.
🍀Add to soups or stews to make them more substantial.
🍀Sauté in a pan with vegetables, spices, and proteins for a quick dish.
🍀Use as a filling for stuffed peppers, zucchini, or tomatoes.
🍀Make veggie burgers or patties, mixing it with legumes and vegetables.
🍀Create sweet breakfasts, pairing it with fruit, yogurt, and honey.
🍀Make a warm porridge, cooking it with plant-based milk and toppings of choice.
STORING
To store cooked quinoa, let it cool and place it in an airtight container in the refrigerator, where it keeps for up to 5 days.
For longer storage, freeze it in food bags and consume within 3 months. Before eating, just reheat it in a pan or microwave, adding a little water if needed to prevent drying.
FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
What are the benefits of eating quinoa?
Eating quinoa helps strengthen muscles, aids digestion, and controls cholesterol thanks to its proteins and fibers. Being gluten-free, it’s perfect for those with celiac disease, and it also provides minerals like magnesium and iron for general well-being.
When should you avoid eating quinoa?
It’s best to avoid quinoa if you have an allergy to the plant, severe kidney issues, or gastrointestinal disorders such as irritable bowel syndrome.
