I first discovered quinoa when I was misdiagnosed with gluten sensitivity (though that is a story for another day), as it is gluten-free.
Quinoa is one of my favorite “grains,” though it is actually a seed. I love it for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, sweet or savory. I always have a huge container in my kitchen.
What is so awesome about quinoa?
Quinoa is about 15% protein. Unlike wheat, rice, and many other grains, quinoa contains all the essential amino acids in a good balance, making it a complete protein source. This is especially important for those who eat little to no meat or dairy.
These little seeds are also packed with fiber, phosphorus, magnesium, and iron, making quinoa a nutritional powerhouse.
Another thing to love about quinoa? It cooks much faster than rice! Quinoa will cook in a mere 15 minutes or so. Yum.
What does it taste like?
Quinoa tastes slightly nutty and while it is soft, it retains more texture than oatmeal or rice dishes. Unless, of course, you toast it. This makes it crunchy and crackly, and just as delicious as cooked quinoa.
What do I do with it?
Quinoa can be bought pre-packaged or in bulk. Whichever you choose, make sure to rinse the quinoa briefly under cold water to remove any of the remaining saponins. Saponins form the outer coating of quinoa and gives the seeds a soapy, bitter taste. Harvesting and processing will remove most of them, but a quick rinse to get rid of any lingering saponins is still a good idea!
To cook the seeds, heat one part quinoa with two parts liquid over medium in a covered pot. When the mixture starts to boil, reduce the heat to low and remove the cover. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 10-15 minutes, or until desired texture is reached.
To toast the seeds, check out Caitlin’s recipe!
What is my favorite way to eat it?
Though most people think of quinoa as a lunch or dinner meal, my favorite time of day to eat it is for breakfast. I use a combination of milk (or milk substitute) with water for the liquid when making quinoa stove-top.
Breakfast quinoa never gets old, because there are so many fun toppings to choose from! Initially, I stuck mostly with a spoonful of nut butter, with the occasional preserves or jam mixed in. However, I’ve gotten quite a bit of inspiration from Kath’s Tribute to Oatmeal for more fun toppings! For example, I crumbled Goji Gourmet cookies over the quinoa, and added a few chocolate chips… it was heavenly!
Other recent topping combinations:
Rocky Road Quinoa. Cocoa powder, walnuts, and mini marshmallows!
Rocky Road quinoa?? Oh yum.
I second Jessica. Where did you come up with that, girl?!
I was making rocky road brownies as a gift for someone… had some ingredients leftover!
I only have thought of quinoa as something to match with vegetables. So glad, you discovered this.
i forgot to tell you until now- I FOUND QUINOA THIS WEEKEND!!! of course i snatched some up
I have a 4 pound bag of quinoa from Costco, so thanks for the ideas!
I love it with maple syrup and some dried cranberries.
I need to eat more quinoa, so thanks for fueling me up with lots of ideas for how to! I’d love to go to the Madison meet up; feel free to shoot me an email with the info for it
Rocky Road Quinoa??? Wow, that’s pretty creative. I love quinoa!
Definitely have to try this! Thanks for the ideas.
thanks for the info- ive wanted to try quinoa or quite some time now!
Oh. Em. Gee. Rocky road?! Genius! I thought I was being all creative by having it with Craisins, ha. You win!
i would love to be a part of the blogger meet up!
Mmm…thanks for the ideas! I never know what to do with quinoa either, but those ideas look great!
how long do you leave the container of precooked quinoa? i never know how far out i should go when making precooked grains like that.
Quinoa balls!? Going to check that out now. Never ever would have thought of that:)
marshmellows, chocoalte and quinoa?!?! hellooooooo mouth gasm!
I think apple cinnamon quinoa would be fabulous!!
Oooh… the rocky road quinoa looks amazing!
Omg the rocky road quinoa looks soooo good!!!
On a side note, for anyone who is Jewish, quinoa is considered kosher for passover because it is not technically a grain. So it can give you another tasty option on the limited passover menu, during those eight days of giving up grains and legumes. Thanks for all the good recipes! http://kosherfood.about.com/od/pesach/f/kfp_quinoa.htm
This is an excellent point! Thanks, Howard.
I love quinoa, but have yet to try toasting it- plus your quinoa balls look amazing.
It looks like I’ve got some q-noah experimenting to do.
I must try quinoa! Those balls look so yum.