How To Cook Quinoa - Vegetarian Basic Recipe

Basic Quinoa (keen-wah), Vegetarian Cooking 101

4 - 6 Servings

I discovered quinoa later in life, and I'm so glad I did - I was tired of eating the same old rice and pasta. Quinoa is light, easily digested, and has about the highest protein content of any grain!

Quinoa goes well with spicy stews, with potato dishes, in a veggie pilaf. It loves to be sauted and spiced. It cooks very much like rice, but it's best in savory, not sweet dishes, and it doesn't really make a good pudding or thickener, or additon to soups. It's looks similar to couscous when cooked, but is more substantial and nourishing.

You'll need a 2 quart stainless steel pot with a tight fitting lid for this recipe
Judy Kingsbury, Savvy Veg

Ingredients:

• 1 cup quinoa
• 1 1/2 cups boiling water
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 tsp olive or vegetable oil

Helpful Hints:

• Quinoa has high oil content, so should be stored in the fridge or freezer to avoid becoming rancid
• A tight fitting lid is essential for even cooking
• Quinoa is covered with saponin, which will give it a bitter taste unless you wash it very thoroughly - those tiny flaky bits in the rinse water are the saponin
• Because of it's high protein content, quinoa is a satisfying meal with a few nuts and veggies added (see recipes below)

Directions

1. Soak the quinoa 1/2 - 1 hour in cold water
2. Rinse very thoroughly in water several times. For each rinse, pour off most of the water and finish draining through a large fine mesh strainer
3. Place in the pot with the water, salt and oil
4. Cover with a lid and bring to a boil
5. Turn the heat down to very low, cook for 20-25 minutes
6. Remove from heat and allow to sit five minutes with lid on
7. Fluff gently with a fork and serve.

Things to Eat with With Quinoa

• Fresh Veggie Medley (vegan)
• Quinoa Pilaf (vegan)
• Tofu Burgers - Without The Bun (vegan)
• Butternut Squash Stew (vegan)

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