Quinoa, pronounced KEEN-wah, is actually a seed, but it’s used as a grain in cooking. With the rise in vegan diets and healthy eating in recent years, many North Americans are adding this versatile grain to their cooking repertoire. Quinoa is also a loving member of the ancient grain family.
Types of Quinoa
There are four different types available on the market.
White
White quinoa is the most common type you will find available for purchase. This type is in most grocery stores, health food stores, and bulk food stores. As for the taste, it would best be described as having a nutty or earthy flavour.
Red
Red quinoa is also widely available in some grocery stores, bulk food stores, and health food stores. It tastes similar to the white variety, but has a bit more of a stronger, nutty flavour.
Black
This type of quinoa has a slightly sweeter flavour and can typically be found at specialty stores or health food stores. This variety takes very long to cook.
Tricolour
You guessed it! Tricolour is a mixture of the three different types. This is great to use if you really want your dishes to pop.
Health Benefits
- Source of fiber, protein, magnesium, and iron
- Gluten free and safe for those with celiac disease
- Source of antioxidants and amino acids
- Low on the glycemic index (This means it releases glucose slowly, rather than causing a blood sugar spike.)
- Can assist with weight loss
- Complex carb (A complex carb takes longer to digest but will provide you with more energy and keeps you feeling fuller for longer.)
How to Cook Quinoa
Ingredients
- 2 cups water or broth
- 1 cup quinoa, thoroughly rinsed, see notes
- 1/2 tsp salt
- Optional: any other spices or additives you'd like
Instructions
- Using a fine mesh strainer, rinse the quinoa until it no longer foams or until the water runs clear.
- In a medium saucepan, bring the water or broth and salt to a boil.
- Add the quinoa, as well as any other spices/additives you'd like to put in, and bring the heat down to medium-low. Optional: Add in any other flavours, spices, or additives during this step as well.
- Cover with a lid and let it cook for about 15 to 20 minutes, or until all of the liquid has been absorbed.
- Remove from heat. Optional: If there is still some liquid left, you can remove it from the heat, but leave it covered for an additional 5-10 minutes.
- Fluff with a fork and enjoy!
Notes
For more recipes, check out our recipe section.
Alternate Cooking Methods
1. Toasting the Quinoa
After rinsing the quinoa, add it to a medium or large saucepan with oil. Toast it on medium-low heat until it starts popping. After that, add the water or broth and cook according to the recipe above.
2. Add Garlic and Onions for Extra Flavour
Add some diced onions to a medium or large saucepan. Cook them on medium heat for about 5 minutes. Add in some minced garlic and sauté for about 1-2 minutes. Follow the recipe as stated above.
3. Simmer the Water or Broth
Before adding the quinoa, simmer the water or broth first. Simmer means to cook the liquid just before the boiling point. This can be done on medium-low heat.
Once the liquid has reached a simmer, add the quinoa, and then turn the heat to low. Cover with a lid and let it cook for 15-20 minutes, or until all the liquid has absorbed. Try not to lift the lid during this step.
4. Add Herbs, Spices, or Other Flavours
Once the quinoa has been added, you can also add various spices, herbs, or other flavourings. Think outside the box with this step! Try using lemon juice, lime zest, cilantro, cumin, parsley, thyme, or anything else that compliments your final dish. These can also be added right before serving.
How to Use Quinoa
A good rule of thumb is to use it where you would use rice or couscous. The list of possibilities is truly endless it’s such a versatile ingredient. Here are a few ideas to get the ball rolling:
- Use in a salad
- Add it to soups, stews, and chilis
- Try some quinoa desserts
- Use it as a vegan taco or burrito filling
- Switch up your breakfast routine with a breakfast porridge
- Throw it in a stir fry
- Use it to make quinoa flour
- Make some burger patties
Some genuinely interesting details you have written.Helped me a lot, just what I was looking for : D.
I knew quinoa was as good for you but this article goes into great detail as to why. I didn’t know there were many different types. Nice to expand on my side dish menu. Can’t wait to try it!
I love quinoa and can’t wait to try this. Sounds amazing and simple to do!!
Never heard of this stuff before. But everything lisa makes is delicious. So I trust her instinct. And boy was she right. Definitely worth trying.
Thank you so much!