How to Cook With Quinoa

Sometimes referred to as the “gold of the Incas,” quinoa is one of nature’s most impressive foods. This golden seed is coveted for its high nutrient value and filling quality, expanding three to four times its volume when cooked. It makes a healthy, hearty addition to any meal.

Food Basics

Quinoa (pronounced KEEN-wah) has a subtly sweet, yet nutty, flavor and a piquant aftertaste. Categorized as a grain, quinoa is actually the seed of Chenopodium (commonly known as goosefoot) plants, which are related to Swiss chard and spinach. There are more than 120 species of Chenopodium, all native to the Andes Mountains of South America, but farmers there cultivate only three main varieties: blond or pale seeds, called white or sweet quinoa; a fruity variety called red quinoa; and the regal-looking black quinoa. Quinoa also has a unique texture. When cooked, the outer germ around each kernel twists outward, forming a spiral. The spiral remains crunchy while the kernel becomes soft and springy.

Nutritional Know-How

Boasting an almost perfect balance of all nine essential amino acids, quinoa is considered a complete protein. Higher in protein and unsaturated fats, and lower in carbohydrates than most grains, quinoa provides an abundance of manganese, calcium, fiber, iron and magnesium, as well as vitamins B and E. It’s also gluten-free. Quinoa can be useful for people who suffer from migraine headaches or hypertension, because magnesium helps relax blood vessels.

Studies also have shown that diets high in whole grains like quinoa, which is rich in phytonutrients, can improve cardiovascular health in postmenopausal women and protect premenopausal women against breast cancer. In both men and women, whole grains can help reduce the risk of heart disease, some cancers, type 2 diabetes and, when combined with fish, childhood asthma.

Kitchen Tricks

• Store uncooked quinoa in an airtight container. If refrigerated, it can be stored for up to six months.
• Wash quinoa before cooking by placing it in a fine strainer and swishing thoroughly with cold water. This will remove any residue of saponins, which are naturally occurring, bitter-tasting defensive compounds that protect quinoa from birds and insects and act as a shield from the intense radiation of high-altitude sunlight. Avoid soaking because it can deposit saponins within the seed.

Eat Up!

Quinoa’s light and fluffy texture makes it an ideal choice to accompany meals throughout the year. To cook, combine a ratio of two parts cooking liquid to one part washed quinoa and simmer until grains are translucent. It cooks very quickly — in about 15 minutes.

• Substitute quinoa for rice, pasta or hot cereal to create a healthy and appealing recipe alternative.
• Stir cooked quinoa into your favorite pancake and waffle batters to add a boost of nutrients and a slightly nutty flavor.
• Add cooked quinoa to salads, stir-fries, casseroles and soups.
• For a robust nutty flavor, brown quinoa in a dry skillet for about five minutes before adding cooking liquid.
• To add delightful taste and vibrant colors to your meals, try using vegetable broth, boldly flavored vegetable juices or fruit juices as the cooking liquid when preparing quinoa.
• Replace steamed quinoa for the bulgur wheat in tabbouleh or vegetarian chili recipes.
• Use steamed quinoa instead of brown rice for fried rice.
• In baking, use quinoa flour (available in natural markets) for a portion of all-purpose flour in your favorite cookies or muffins. If the recipe calls for 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, use 1 cup all-purpose flour and 1/2 cup quinoa flour. The quinoa flour will add a slightly nutty flavor and aroma.

Carrot Quinoa

Serves five

• 1 cup quinoa
• 1/4 tsp. extra-virgin olive oil
• 1/2 cup finely chopped yellow onion
• 2 cups carrot juice (about 10 medium carrots) or bottled fresh carrot juice
• 1/2 tsp. ground nutmeg
• 1/4 tsp. sea salt
• 1/4 tsp. freshly ground black pepper
• 1/2 cup finely chopped zucchini
• 1/2 cup finely chopped celery

Directions

1. Rinse the quinoa in a fine mesh strainer, swishing until water runs clear.
2. Heat a saucepan over medium heat. Add the quinoa and toast the grains for about three minutes.
3. Stir the quinoa constantly, until it turns light brown and smells nutty. Remove the quinoa from the pan and return the pan to the stovetop.
4. Add the olive oil to lightly coat the bottom of the pan. Add the onions, zucchini and celery, and cook until the onion has just softened, about two minutes.
5. Add the carrot juice and bring to a low boil.
6. Stir in the toasted quinoa, nutmeg, salt and pepper. Bring to a boil and then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 15 minutes or until the quinoa has absorbed the carrot juice and is fluffy.

 Quinoa-Couscous Breakfast Cereal

Serves six

• 3 cups unsweetened apple juice
• 2 cups water
• 1 cup quinoa
• 1/4 cup dried cranberries
• 1/4 cup dried blueberries
• 1/4 cup chopped dried apricots
• 1/4 cup raisins
• 1 tsp. ground cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp. ground allspice
• 1 cup whole-wheat couscous
• 1/2 cup soymilk or rice milk

Directions

1. In a medium saucepan combine the apple juice and water. Bring to a simmer over medium heat.
2. Rinse the quinoa in a fine mesh strainer, swishing until water runs clear. Heat a medium sauté pan over medium heat; add the quinoa and toast, stirring constantly until the grains begin popping, two to three minutes.
3. Add the quinoa, dried fruits and spices to the saucepan. Simmer, stirring occasionally, until the quinoa is clear and soft, 12 to 15 minutes.
4. Stir in the couscous. Remove pot from heat and cover.
5. Let stand until the couscous has absorbed the liquid and is fluffy, five to seven minutes. Stir in the soymilk, if desired.