Quinoa

What is Quinoa (keen-wah)?

Quinoa is often mistaken for a whole grain, however it is actually a seed but is used in the same way that you would use a grain. It’s grown in popularity over the past few years as its a complete protein source, naturally gluten free, high in iron, magnesium and fibre. It’s nutty in flavour and has light texture to it.

What do I eat it with?

I use quinoa like I would a whole grain, i.e. rice, buckwheat. So you could service it hot with some cooked veggies stirred through, or as a bed for a stew or curry. Why not try it cold as a salad with a dressing mixed through it, raw veggies, nuts and herbs. You could also get really creative and make your own pizza base, muffins, or some like to have it as a porridge.

How do I cook it?

Rinsing: Rinsing your quinoa is really important because quinoa has a natural coating called “saponin” which if you don’t wash off will leave your quinoa tasting earthy and bitter. Not nice. So before cooking it rinse it off in a sieve.

Cooking: Once you have rinsed your quinoa, put 1 Cup of quinoa with 2 Cups of water. Bring to the boil and then simmer with a lid on for 10 minutes, or until all the water has completely absorbed. Fluff with a fork and it’s ready !

Hope this helps 🙂