Five Ways to Enjoy Quinoa

Have you heard about quinoa?  Wondered what it is and how and why would you cook with it?

Well, quinoa is a grain that is high in protein and also gluten free. It has a mild taste with a rich texture which makes it the perfect grain to use in so many different kinds of dishes. So how about some recipe ideas for cooking quinoa? Here are five ways to prepare this versatile grain.

Five Ideas for Cooking Quinoa

1. Have it on a salad

When you toast quinoa it gives it a nutty taste, making it a great topping on any salad. Toasting quinoa is simple. Just put it in a dry frying pan over medium heat. Stir it frequently for about five minutes until it begins to crackle and gives off an aroma. Once done, rinse it thoroughly in a sieve.

2. Have it as a side dish

It pairs well with seafood, poultry, or pork. Toast your quinoa. Then sauté some onion, chiles, and garlic. Add the quinoa and some broth to the pan and allow to simmer. Cover and cook until most of the liquid is gone and the quinoa is tender.

3. Fried quinoa

 If you like fried rice, then you’ll really love this fried quinoa. Having quinoa instead of rice makes it a healthier dish. Start by toasting the quinoa. Then add the quinoa and some chicken broth to a pan and allow to simmer until the liquid is mostly gone. Take the quinoa out and spread on a baking sheet. Then sauté some garlic and ginger. Add some vegetables and cook until tender. Add some soy sauce, the quinoa, and pepper to the vegetables, stirring frequently until cooked through. Eat it alone or paired with eggs over easy.

4. Use quinoa instead of rice in stuffed peppers

Boil quinoa in two cups of water. Let the water cook off and fluff the quinoa. Cook ground sausage in a pan until golden brown. Add some onions, peppers, and garlic to the meat and season with salt and pepper. Add some tomatoes and cook until the liquid cooks off. Mix the sausage and quinoa with some lime juice and cilantro. Cut open your peppers and spoon in your meat mixture. Add some grated cheese to the top and bake in the oven until peppers begin to soften and cheese is melted.

5. Quinoa pilaf

Sauté some onion and diced carrots until crisp and tender. Add garlic and cook a little longer. Then add quinoa and some chicken broth and salt to the vegetable mixture. Stir and allow to boil. Reduce the heat and simmer for about 10-15 minutes until the liquid is mostly cooked off. Stir occasionally so it doesn’t stick. Fluff with a fork and serve as a side dish. It goes great with steak.

Quinoa makes a great substitute for any rice dish. So the next time you reach for the rice, try quinoa instead. It’s a grain high in protein, making it a great super food that’s very versatile. How do you like your quinoa?

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