How to cook quinoa in the most delicious way: Step by step

Quinoa is a seed and also considered a pseudocereal ; It originated in Peru and Bolivia, and it is a very nutritious and healthy food. This is very easy to prepare and it can also be eaten with a wide variety of accompaniments. It has properties such as potassium, vitamin B, iron and magnesium, which is why it is usually widely sold around the world. And if you are reading this post, it is because you also know this seed and also want to know how to cook quinoa correctly, right?

Many people, when cooking quinoa, express that it is a doughy or bland food , which causes displeasure, but is quinoa really like that? The answer is no. This pseudocereal should be loose, crisp, light and fluffy, suitable for good taste. If you have not yet tried quinoa because the comments have been negative, I will show you how to prepare them correctly, so that you know the true meaning of pleasure.

Steps to cook quinoa

You should take these steps into account before starting your process, since quinoa is usually a somewhat complicated meal to prepare for many people, however, it all depends on the quality that you give it in the kitchen.

Should quinoa always be washed?

Not really. Some quinoas are washed before they are marketed, and washing them in excess eliminates the properties that these have on the surface. In the case of having unwashed quinoa in your hands, then you will have to wash it beforehand.

Toast the quinoa

Before cooking the quinoa, it is highly recommended that you roast it. This step is very simple, you just have to pour it into a pan or pot with a little oil. Toasting it will make it grow a bit and increase its flavor quality, since it will have a toasted texture, taste and smell, totally to the taste of each user.

Portion of water

Be careful not to pay much attention to the myths that haunt the world about quinoa, as many people claim to create a delicious quinoa with double, or worse, triple the liquid, causing a kind of sticky and watery texture, which diminishes in large quantities the good flavor that it has.

If your goal is to delight yourself and others with some exquisite quinoas, then you should add between ½ or 2 glasses of water for each glass of quinoa . You must take into account that if with ½ glass the quinoa is perfect, it is not necessary to add more, and this will only happen in special cases, since surely ½ glass of water will be enough for you.

Cook over low heat

The pot of water should be placed over the fire until it boils. When this happens, pour the toasted quinoa into the water, adding salt beforehand to taste. As the water is already boiling, lower the flame to the minimum and cook with the lid on for a few minutes, approximately between 15 to 20 minutes . It’s important to keep an eye on the quinoas, so mix them up every now and then.

To know that it is fully cooked, it depends on the type of quinoa. However, you will notice a difference when the original size disappeared and now it has larger measurements and that these also transform its color, because now they will be a bit transparent.

Dry it and let it rest

When it is completely ready, you should remove it from the water and strain it. Moreover, you can get the water to the pot with which cociste Quinoa in the same container and pour again and let sit for a few short minutes, 5 minutes is perfect, but can be left longer if necessary.

According to different comments from professionals in the kitchen, before letting it rest, to give it the ideal touch, extra virgin olive oil is added and salt and pepper to taste.

Properties and benefits of quinoa

As I mentioned earlier, it has several beneficial properties in general senses. This pseudocereal is so splendid that it contains all the nutrients you can imagine.

Properties

• It has at least 23% protein
• It has a wide variety of vitamins, such as vitamin C, E, B1, B2, and niacin.
• It is specifically made up of calcium, iron, and magnesium.
• Contains omega 6 and omega 3.
• It is usually harvested very often, since it is a seed that adapts to all types of climates and environments.
• It has flavonoids, which helps it to be an antioxidant.

Profits

• It increases the quality of thought, since with its amino acids it helps the process of brain development.
• Helps reduce constipation, stomach pain and sustain energy.
• It is considered as a replacement for meat, due to its high amount of protein, which is why it is usual for vegans to consume it.
• Supports the weight reduction process .
• It does not contain gluten, that is, it can be consumed by people with diabetic problems.
• For many years it has become an ideal food for all those interested in exercising or exercising some sport.
• Strengthens the hair.
• Moisturizes the skin. In most cases it is used by people with dry skin.
• The infusion of quinoa reduces daily stress.

Varieties for cooking quinoa

This can be made with different special touches, which will allow you to enjoy according to your preferences. Next, I will show you some ideas that you can use when cooking your quinoa.

Offer flavor

This can be done with herbs and seasonings. Some of the ones I recommend are curry, lemon juice, bay leaf, cumin, paprika, onion, among others.

Broth or soup

You can add greens and dressings to make a satisfying vegetable soup or broth in cold weather. On the other hand, if you want a different flavor than usual, add olive oil to taste.

Sweet touch

If you want to try new special touches, you can add vanilla, cinnamon, or a little sugar. Remember to add a small amount of salt in these cases.

There are many types of quinoa that are perfect for you, and it is also a food that you can find in any store or market of your choice. Nourish yourself with the wonderful properties of quinoa and maintain a healthy life, enjoying the pleasures of life.