How to make Quinoa

Qu-what? It's actually pronounced "keen-wa." Seems to me that they should just change the spelling so we can all pronounce it correctly, right? Anyways, if you have not ever heard of this grain or tried it, it's about time you did! It's seriously one of the healthiest super foods you could eat! And, it's naturally Gluten Free! We use this a lot in recipes or in place of white rice. It actually can be cooked in a rice cooker just like white rice! So, there's officially no excuse why you shouldn't try this great super food! :)

We just taught our Gluten Free 101 class last night in Lehi, Utah and I mentioned Quinoa a bit. (I add it to my Rice Milk to naturally fortify it.) 

If there's one thing that you walk away from this post knowing, it's that you need to WASH and WASH and WASH this stuff! Quinoa naturally has a bitter acid coating and if you don't take time to rinse or soak it before cooking, you're left with a pretty undesirable taste! 

Quinoa

(free of all allergens including gluten)
Posted by jalene

Ingredients: 

• 1 cup organic quinoa
• 1 & 1/2 cups water

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Rinse those babies good!

Directions: 

1. Rinse the quinoa in a wire strainer for about 5-10 minutes. You can also soak it for 15 minutes but make sure you rinse the quinoa completely after soaking. 

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2. Place the quinoa and water into your rice cooker, cover, and press the start button! (Quinoa cooks the exact same as white rice does.) It's just that easy.  After cooked, fluff with a fork. 





Don't have a Rice Cooker? You can prepare Quinoa on the STOVE TOP as well! Simply bring 1 cup of water and 1/2 cup of rinsed Quinoa to a boil. Reduce the heat to medium low, cover, and simmer until the water has been asorbed. (About 15-20 minutes.)

Quinoa can be served in place of white rice or as a substitute for any recipe calling for "Couscous" (which is a wheat item you should stay away from). 

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Want to try some great recipes with Quinoa?

These contain cooked Quinoa:

These are served over cooked Quinoa:

These are made with Quinoa Flour:

Tip from jalene: 

If you are grinding your own Quinoa, be sure to buy one that is PRE-WASHED! I purchase mine at Costco. It is triple washed and Organic!