Garlic Butter Quinoa {Only 5 Ingredients!} | Quinoa Recipes | Simply Quinoa (2024)

FAQs

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

I find that some of the best seasonings for quinoa are cumin, dried bay leaf, turmeric, and salt, and black pepper. I also love to flavor it with fresh garlic and herbs such as parsley, dill, and cilantro. You can add the seasonings of your choice into the pot at the same time with the liquid and cook it as directed.

One Part Quinoa to Two Parts Water

It all comes down to texture. Add too little water and your grains may burn on the bottom of the pot before they cook through. Add too much water and you'll end up with soggy, overcooked, and mushy grains.

Unlike some plant proteins, quinoa is a complete protein, meaning that it contains all nine essential amino acids that our bodies cannot make on their own. Quinoa is also naturally gluten-free and can be eaten safely if one has gluten intolerance such as celiac disease.

The outer cover of quinoa tastes bitter and hence first make sure to rinse it in water well for three four times. And the ratio of quinoa to water is 1:2 while cooking. Once you are done rinsing, measure quinoa and add twice the amount of water to it and let it cook for exactly 20 minutes.

The basic ratio is 1 cup quinoa to 2 cups liquid. You can use water (season it with a bit of kosher salt), or you can use any kind of broth (we like to use low-sodium broths and add any extra salt to the finished dish as needed). You can also add a bit of dry white wine to the liquid for another layer of flavor.

Because it is a seed, quinoa absorbs water differently than other grains. To make it fluffy, cook it uncovered at a low simmer. Once it's tender and no water remains in the bottom of the pot, cover it.

*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).

Do you need to soak quinoa before cooking it? In short, no, you don't need to soak quinoa. However, doing so is said to remove phytic acid, which may make it easier for people to digest quinoa. If you just want to remove the bitter flavor from quinoa, rinse it under cold water for about a minute.

Now that your quinoa is rinsed or toasted, it's time to cook it. For 1 cup of uncooked quinoa, you'll want to use 2 cups of water—this will yield 3 cups of cooked quinoa. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, then lower the temperature to medium-low and pop the lid on securely.

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. Before cooking, you should rinse the grains to remove their saponins, or bitter-tasting compounds, and also toast them in a skillet to develop their flavor.

What happens to your body when you eat quinoa everyday? ›

Quinoa is a great whole-grain source and has a high fiber content for optimal digestion, steady blood sugar and lower cholesterol, among other potential benefits. It is also an excellent grain option for people with celiac disease.

Quinoa contains fewer calories and carbohydrates than white rice. Unlike rice, quinoa fibers help to lower cholesterol and control blood sugar levels. Unlike rice, quinoa reduces your blood fat levels after a meal called triglycerides. Quinoa has a higher amount of all essential amino acids.

Quinoa is considered a carbohydrate because it contains many carbs per serving. Although it contains some protein, the macronutrient distribution is closer to what you find in other grains and starches.

Meal possibilities are endless as quinoa will also absorb the flavor of any dressing or extra ingredients you toss it with. Plus, it's also great on its own for a filling side dish loaded with amino acids and minerals – simply drizzle with a bit of olive oil and a pinch of salt and pepper, and enjoy!

It is a personal choice, but if you want your cooked quinoa to be properly seasoned and flavorful, I recommend adding ½ teaspoon of kosher salt for every cup of raw quinoa. Does Quinoa Absorb Water Like Rice? Yes, it does. The cooking time would be different, but quinoa would absorb water like white rice.

Try swapping out traditional rice for quinoa in this easy quinoa fried “rice” recipe! It's amazingly flavorful and delicious, and only takes about 15 minutes to make.